Collection folder for collecting file submissions

ABSTRACT

A content management system for collecting files from one or more submitters in a collection folder. A collector, who generates the collection folder, can invite one or more submitters to submit one or more files to the collection folder. The one or more submitters have limited rights to the collection folder. The limited rights can include uploading rights and prohibiting a submitter from viewing files that other submitters associated with the collection folder submitted. Thus, the collection folder is able to store files from the one or more submitters, but prevent them from viewing other&#39;s submissions.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/960,841, filed Dec. 7, 2015, which is now issued as U.S.Pat. No. 10,091,296, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication 62/149,338, filed Apr. 17, 2015. Each of the aforementionedapplications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present technology pertains to collecting files over a network, andmore specifically pertains to a collection folder for collecting filesubmissions in which a submitter can only view his or her submission.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional online storage systems provide online storage folders thatcan collect files from users. In such systems, a user who is invited andreceives access to an online storage folder has access to all of thefiles in the online storage folder. For example, a teacher can providestudents access to an online storage folder with each student havingaccess to all of the files in the online storage folder. Thus, if thestudents submit homework to the online storage folder, each student hasaccess to homework previously submitted by other students. To avoid,such a problem, the teacher can provide a single folder for eachstudent. Such a scenario can create additional overhead and requires theteacher to access each folder to review each student's homework.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be set forthin the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from thedescription, or can be learned by practice of the herein disclosedprinciples. The features and advantages of the disclosure can berealized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinationsparticularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and otherfeatures of the disclosure will become more fully apparent from thefollowing description and appended claims, or can be learned by thepractice of the principles set forth herein.

Disclosed are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readablestorage media for collecting files in a collection folder in a useraccount in a content management system. The disclosed technologyaddresses the need in the art for a collector to collect files in onelocation from one or more submitters with less overhead and withoutrequiring the collector to access individual folders to review eachsubmitter's files. The solution allows for the collection of files inone collection folder. In addition, the submitter has limited rightswhich unlike conventional collection systems, prohibits the submitterfrom accessing and viewing files from other submitters.

Disclosed are systems, methods and non-transitory computer-readablestorage media for allowing a collector to customize a file request. Whencreating a file request a user interface (UI) can allow a collector toset parameters for controlling what and/or how a submission can besubmitted. The disclosed technology addresses the need in the art for acollector to dictate or customize their file request in order to receivesubmissions that conform with the customized file request.

Disclosed are systems, methods and non-transitory computer-readablestorage media for providing a commenting interface enabling a submitterand/or collector to add a comment associated with a submitted file. Thecommenting interface allows a submitter and/or collector to share one ormore comments with the other. The disclosed technology addresses theneed in the art for allowing a submitter and/or collector to comment ona submission that was submitted in response to a file request.

Disclosed are systems, methods and non-transitory computer-readablestorage media for allowing a collector to use a public file request,such as a file request posted on a social network. The disclosedtechnology addresses the need in the art for allowing a collector toreach a larger audience rather than only the one or more submitters thatreceive an email message with a file request link.

Disclosed are systems, methods and non-transitory computer-readablestorage media for allowing a collector to have a submissions scanned formalicious content. By using a malicious content detection feature, eachsubmission can be scanned for malicious content prior to the collectorhaving access to the submission. The disclosed technology addresses theneed in the art for preventing malicious content to be introduced to thecontent management system or a user's account and potentially causingproblems.

Disclosed are systems, methods and non-transitory computer-readablestorage media for allowing a collector to have submission scanned forplagiarism. By using a plagiarism detection feature, each submission canbe scanned for plagiarized content and if detected, can inform thecollector of the potential plagiarism. The disclosed technologyaddresses the need in the art for trying to ensure that a submission isthe submitter's own work.

Disclosed are systems, methods and non-transitory computer-readablestorage media for allowing a collector to train a facial and/or objectrecognition feature to tag people or objects within photographs that aresubmitted. By training the facial and/or object recognition module, thecollector can send a token, containing the one or more tagged peopleand/or objects, to one or more submitters who can use the token tosubmit additional photographs based on the token. The disclosedtechnology addresses the need in the art for a collector to be able tocollect additional photographs from one or more submitters.

Disclosed are systems, methods and non-transitory computer-readablestorage media for allowing a collector to request photos in one folder.By using a photo file request, submitters are able to submit photos inresponse to the photo file request. The disclosed technology addressesthe need in the art for a collector to be able to collect photos fromone or more submitters and have all of the photos stored in onecollection folder.

Disclosed are systems, methods and non-transitory computer-readablestorage media for allowing an administrator to monitor, view and controlfile requests/collection folders associated with an enterprise. By usingadministrator controls and dashboards, an administrator can monitor,view and control file submissions and control the privileges ofcollectors and submitters with respect to the file requests. Thedisclosed technology addresses the need in the art for an administratorto control, view and monitor people in their enterprise and their use ofthe file request feature.

Disclosed are systems, methods and non-transitory computer-readablestorage media for allowing a collector to use email to collectsubmissions in response to a file request. By using email rather than afile request link, one or more submitters can reply to an email requestfor a file request rather than having to access a website to upload oneor more files. The disclosed technology addresses the need in the artfor a collector to provide an alternate manner to obtain filesubmissions other than via a file request link.

Disclosed are systems, methods and non-transitory computer-readablestorage media for allowing a collector to share submissions with the oneor more submitters and/or others in response to a file request. By usinga close and publish feature, the collector is able to share submissionswith the one or more submitters and/or others once the submissions aredeemed to be complete. The disclosed technology addresses the need inthe art for a collector to collect submissions and once collected, toshare the submissions with the one or more submitters and/or others.

Disclosed are systems, methods and non-transitory computer-readablestorage media for allowing additional roles other than a collector andsubmitter role. By allowing a viewer access to the collection folder, aviewer is able to monitor a submitter's submission or submissions toensure that the submitter responded to a file request. The disclosedtechnology addresses the need in the art for supervision of a submitterin responding to a file request, such as a parent or other-members of ateam when the submitter is acting on behalf of the team.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-recited and other advantages and features of the disclosurewill become apparent by reference to specific embodiments thereof whichare illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that thesedrawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and are nottherefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the principlesherein are described and explained with additional specificity anddetail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a configuration of devices and a network inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2A is a block diagram of the components of a link based collectionmodule in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2B is a block diagram of the components of a malicious contentdetection system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for a method for generating a collection folder inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4A is a homepage UI for an empty user's account in accordance withan exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4B is a homepage UI for a non-empty user's account in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5A is an initial homepage UI for creating a collection folder inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5B is an initial homepage UI for creating a collection folder witha “create new file request” button being selected in accordance with anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for a method for rendering prompts requestinginformation from the collector in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 7A is an initial UI rendering prompts in accordance with anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7B is a customization UI in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 7C is a file listing UI displaying files that the collector canchoose for white labeling in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7D is a UI displaying template files in accordance with anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8A, is a submitter invite UI in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 8B is a second submitter invite UI in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 9A is a file upload UI in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 9B is a flowchart for a method for storing an uploaded file in acollection folder in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for a method for scanning one or more uploadedfiles in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for a method for detecting plagiarism in one ormore uploaded files in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 12A is a flowchart for a method for enabling users to providecomments to a submission in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 12B is a file listing UI listing files in a user's account inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 12C is a viewing UI rendering a selected file in accordance with anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 12D is a UI rendering an expanded comment section in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 12E is a UI rendering a comment in the expanded comment section inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 12F is a UI rendering a plurality of comments in the expandedcomment section in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 12G is a UI rendering a photo with a comment in accordance with anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 13A is a flowchart for a method for enabling users to have a chatsession relating to a submission in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 13B is a UI rendering a selected file and a chat icon in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 13C is a UI rendering that status of contacts in accordance with anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 13D is a UI rendering a message box in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 13E is a UI rendering a chat message in a chat section inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 13F is a UI rendering a plurality of chat messages in a chatsection in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 13G is a save UI rendering save options in accordance with anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 14A is a flowchart for a method for using a facial and/or objectrecognition on a collection folder in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 14B is a Create a File Request UI rendering prompts for a filerequest in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 14C is a file upload UI for uploading photos in accordance with anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 14D is a UI rendering a list of photo folders in accordance with anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 14E is a flowchart for a method for training recognition softwarein accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 14F is a viewing UI rendering a selected photo in accordance withan exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 14G is a UI rendering a first set of recognition menu options inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 14H is a UI rendering prompts to identify one or more recognizedfaces in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 14I is a UI rendering a second set of recognition menu options inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 14J is a UI rendering a third set of recognition menu options inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 15A is a flowchart for a method for creating a file request triggerin accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 15B is a menu rendering a list of menu options in accordance withan exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 15C is a menu rendering a list of email menu options in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 15D is a menu rendering a list of trigger email menu options inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 15E is a flowchart for a method for creating a file request triggerin accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 15F is a UI rendering a prompt to create a file request inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 16A is a flowchart for a method for creating a collection emailaddress in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 16B is a rendered email in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 17A is a flowchart for a method for publishing the contents of acollection folder in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 17B is a UI with a rendered publish menu option in accordance withan exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 17C is a UI rendering layout menu options in accordance with anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 17D is a UI rendering publishing menu options in accordance with anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 18A is a flowchart for a method for managing collection folders inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 18B is a third party website rendering a file request icon inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 19A is a flowchart for a method for managing collection folders inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 19B is a collection folder homepage in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 19C is a first submission page for generating a vacation photoscollection folder in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 19D is a second submission pages for generating a vacation photoscollection folder in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 19E is a collection folder homepage after the vacation photoscollection folder is created in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 19F is a Final papers collection folder being selected inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 19G is an edit file request page that allows a collector todeactivate a collection folder in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 19H is a collection folder homepage after a Final papers collectionfolder is deactivated in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 19I is an inactive requests home page in accordance with anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 19J is an edit file request page that allows a collector toactivate a collection folder in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 20A is a flowchart for a method for generating an activity log inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 20B is a UI rendering an activity log in accordance with anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 21A is a flowchart for a method for generating an activity log inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 21B is a file listing UI rendering a list of files in a folderalong with a status file in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 21C is a rendered status file in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 22A is a block diagram of a system for implementing variousembodiments of the present technology in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment; and

FIG. 22B is a block diagram of a system for implementing variousembodiments of the present technology in accordance with an alternativeexemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the disclosure are discussed in detail below.While specific implementations are discussed, it should be understoodthat this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled inthe relevant art will recognize that other components and configurationsmay be used without parting from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Several definitions that apply throughout this disclosure will now bepresented. The term “coupled” is defined as connected, whether directlyor indirectly through intervening components, and is not necessarilylimited to physical connections. The term “communicatively coupled” isdefined as connected, either directly or indirectly through interveningcomponents, and the connections are not necessarily limited to physicalconnections, but are connections that accommodate the transfer of databetween the so-described components. The terms “comprising,” “including”and “having” are used interchangeably in this disclosure. The terms“comprising,” “including” and “having” mean to include, but notnecessarily be limited to the things so described. The terms “content,”“content item,” “content items,” “file” and “files” are usedinterchangeably in this disclosure. The terms “content,” “content item,”“content items,” “file” and “files” mean something that a user submitsto the content management system for storage in a collection folder.

In one or more embodiments, a content management system receives arequest to generate a link to use in collecting one or more files fromone or more submitters. The request can come from a user having anaccount with the content management system. Such a user can be referredto as a collector. The one or more submitters can have an account withthe content management system, not have an account with the contentmanagement system or any combination thereof. In response to the filerequest, the content management system can prompt the collector byrequesting a name for the file request, a name for a designatedcollection folder to store the collected files from the one or moresubmitters and an email address for each submitter. In response toreceiving the information, the content management system can generate alink to the collection folder. The content management system can thendistribute the generated link to the one or more submitters via email.Alternatively, the collector can distribute the generated link to theone or more submitters via email, instant message, text message, or byposting the link to a website, or any other means of distributing thelink. For example, the collector can type the link or paste the link toa social media website. The one or more submitters can upload one ormore files to the collection folder. The one or more submitters can havelimited rights to the collection folder. The limited rights can includeuploading rights, but prohibit a submitter from viewing files that othersubmitters associated with the collection folder submitted. Thus, thecollection folder is able to store files from the one or moresubmitters, but prevent them from viewing submissions from others. Theuploaded files can be scanned for malicious code and/or plagiarizedcontent. In addition, the collector can activate and deactivate one ormore collection folders. An activated collection folder allowssubmitters to submit files to the activated collection folder and adeactivated folder prohibits submitters from accessing the deactivatedcollection folder. A collector can access activated collection foldersand deactivated collection folders.

Referring to FIG. 1, a block diagram of a configuration of devices and anetwork in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is illustrated. Insystem 100, electronic devices communicate via a network for purposes ofexchanging content and other data. System 100 can be configured for useon a wide area network, such as the Internet. However, the presentprinciples are applicable to a wide variety of network configurationsthat facilitate the intercommunication of electronic devices. Forexample, each of the components of system 100 in FIG. 1 can beimplemented in a localized or distributed fashion in a network.

In system 100, a user can interact with content management system 106through client devices 102 ₁, 102 ₂, . . . , 102 _(n) (collectively“102” and individually “102 _(i)”) connected to network 104 by directand/or indirect communication. The network 104 can be one or morecommunication networks such as a local area network (LAN) or othersuitable communication networks (e.g., the Internet, a metropolitan areanetwork (MAN), a wide area network (WAN) a mobile, a wire or wirelessnetwork, a private network, a virtual private network, etc.). Contentmanagement system 106 can support connections from a variety ofdifferent client devices 102, such as desktop computers; mobilecomputers; mobile communications devices, e.g., mobile phones, smartphones, tablets; smart televisions; set-top boxes; and/or any othernetwork enabled computing devices. Client devices 102 can be of varyingtype, capabilities, operating systems, etc. Furthermore, contentmanagement system 106 can concurrently accept connections from andinteract with multiple client devices 102.

A user can interact with content management system 106 via a client-sideapplication installed on client device 102 _(i). In some embodiments,the client-side application can include a content management system 106specific component. For example, the component can be a stand-aloneapplication, one or more application plug-ins, and/or a browserextension. However, the user can also interact with content managementsystem 106 via a third-party application, such as a web browser, thatresides on client device 102 _(i) and is configured to communicate withcontent management system 106. In either case, the client-sideapplication can present a user interface (UI) for the user to interactwith content management system 106. For example, the user can interactwith content management system 106 via a client-side applicationintegrated with the file system or via a webpage displayed using a webbrowser application.

Content management system 106 can make it possible for a user to storefiles, as well as perform a variety of content management tasks, such asretrieve, modify, browse, and/or share the content depending on who theuser is and/or depending on parameters associated with a folder asexplained below in further detail. Furthermore, content managementsystem 106 can make it possible for a user to access the files frommultiple client devices 102. For example, a submitter can use a clientdevice 102 _(i) to upload files to content management system 106 via anetwork 104. The files can later be retrieved from content managementsystem 106 using the same client device 102 or some other client device102 _(j).

To facilitate the various content management services, a user can createan account with content management system 106. The account informationcan be maintained in user account database 150. User account database150 can store profile information for registered users. In some cases,the only personal information in the user profile can be a usernameand/or email address. However, content management system 106 can also beconfigured to accept additional user information. Content managementsystem 106 can store non-account user, e.g., submitters, information ina user account database 150, where the non-account users are associatedwith a user account, e.g., a collector's user account.

User account database 150 can also include account managementinformation, such as account type, e.g., free or paid; usageinformation, e.g., file edit history; maximum storage space authorized;storage space used; content storage locations; security settings;personal configuration settings; content sharing data; etc. Accountmanagement module 124 can be configured to update and/or obtain useraccount details in user account database 150. The account managementmodule 124 can be configured to interact with any number of othermodules in content management system 106.

An account can be used to store content, such as files, digital data,documents, text files, audio files, video files, etc., from one or moreclient devices 102 authorized on the account. The content can alsoinclude folders or other mechanisms of grouping content items togetherwith different behaviors, such as playlists, albums, etc. For example,an account can include a public folder that is accessible to any user.In another example, an account can include a private folder that is onlyaccessible to a specific user and/or any the specific user authorizes.In yet another example, an account can include a collection folder thatis only accessible by the account user, e.g., a collector, and anyonethe account user authorizes, e.g., a submitter. Each folder can beassigned a web-accessible address. A link to the web-accessible addresscan be used to access the contents of the public folder, a privatefolder or a collection folder. In another example, an account caninclude a photos folder that is intended for photos and that providesspecific attributes and actions tailored for photos; an audio folderthat provides the ability to play back audio files and perform otheraudio related actions; or other special purpose folders. The photosfolder can be a public folder, a private folder or a collection folder.An account can also include shared folders, collection folders or groupfolders that are linked with and available to multiple user accounts.The permissions for multiple users may be different for each folder.

The content can be stored in content storage 160. Content storage 160can be a storage device, multiple storage devices, a server or multipleservers. The storage device, multiple storage devices, server ormultiple servers can be configured to perform the methods describedherein. Alternatively, content storage 160 can be a cloud storageprovider or network storage accessible via one or more communicationsnetworks. Content management system 106 can hide the complexity anddetails from client devices 102 so that client devices 102 do not needto know exactly where the content items are being stored by contentmanagement system 106. In one variation, content management system 106can store the content items in the same folder hierarchy as they appearon client device 102 _(i). However, content management system 106 canstore the content items in its own order, arrangement, or hierarchy.Content management system 106 can store the content items in a networkaccessible storage (SAN) device, in a redundant array of inexpensivedisks (RAID), etc. Content storage 160 can store content items using oneor more partition types, such as FAT, FAT32, NTFS, EXT2, EXT3, EXT4,ReiserFS, BTRFS, and so forth.

Content storage 160 can also store metadata describing content items,content item types, and the relationship of content items to variousaccounts, folders, or groups. The metadata can include metadata tags fora content item and can be stored as part of the content item or can bestored separately. In one variation, each content item stored in contentstorage 160 can be assigned a system-wide unique identifier.

Content storage 160 can decrease the amount of storage space required byidentifying duplicate files or duplicate segments of files. Instead ofstoring multiple copies, content storage 160 can store a single copy andthen use a pointer or other mechanism to link the duplicates to thesingle copy. Similarly, content storage 160 can store files moreefficiently, as well as provide the ability to undo operations, by usinga file version control that tracks changes to files, different versionsof files (including diverging version trees), and a change history. Thechange history can include a set of changes that, when applied to theoriginal file version, produce the changed file version.

Content management system 106 can be configured to support automaticsynchronization of content from one or more client devices 102. Thesynchronization can be platform agnostic. That is, the content can besynchronized across multiple client devices 102 of varying type,capabilities, operating systems, etc. For example, client device 102_(i) can include client software, which synchronizes, via asynchronization module 132 at content management system 106, content inclient device 102 _(i)'s file system with the content in an associateduser account. In some cases, the client software can synchronize anychanges to content in a designated folder and its sub-folders, such asnew, deleted, modified, copied, or moved files or folders. The clientsoftware can be a separate software application, can integrate with anexisting content management application in the operating system or somecombination thereof. In one example of client software that integrateswith an existing content management application, a user can manipulatecontent directly in a local folder, while a background process monitorsthe local folder for changes and synchronizes those changes to contentmanagement system 106. Conversely, the background process can identifycontent that has been updated at content management system 106 andsynchronize those changes to the local folder. The client software canprovide notifications of synchronization operations, and can provideindications of content statuses directly within the content managementapplication. Sometimes client device 102 _(i) may not have a networkconnection available. In this scenario, the client software can monitorthe linked folder for file changes and queue those changes for latersynchronization to content management system 106 when a networkconnection is available. Similarly, a user can manually stop or pausesynchronization with content management system 106.

A user can also view or manipulate content via a web interface generatedand served by user interface (UI) module 122. For example, the user cannavigate in a web browser to a web address provided by contentmanagement system 106. Changes or updates to content in the contentstorage 160 made through the web interface, such as uploading a newversion of a file, can be propagated back to other client devices 102associated with the user's account. For example, multiple client devices102, each with their own client software, can be associated with asingle account and files in the account can be synchronized between eachof the multiple client devices 102.

Content management system 106 can include a communications interfacemodule 120 for interfacing with various client devices 102, and caninteract with other content and/or service providers 1091, 1092, . . . ,109 n (collectively “109”) via an Application Programming Interface(API). Certain software applications can access content storage 160 viaan API on behalf of a user. For example, a software package, such as anapplication (or app) on a smartphone or tablet computing device, canprogrammatically make calls directly to content management system 106,when a user provides credentials, to read, write, create, delete, share,or otherwise manipulate content. Similarly, the API can allow users toaccess all or part of content storage 160 through a web site.

Content management system 106 can also include authenticator module 126,which can verify user credentials, security tokens, API calls, specificclient devices, and so forth, to ensure only authorized clients andusers can access files. Content management system 106 can includecontent item management module 128, which stores the content items incontent storage 160. Content item management module 128 can include acontent directory for identifying the location of each content itemstored in content storage 160. Further, content management system 106can include analytics module 134 that can track and report on aggregatefile operations, user actions, network usage, total storage space used,as well as other technology, usage, or business metrics. A privacyand/or security policy can prevent unauthorized access to user datastored with content management system 106.

Content management system 106 can include collection module 130 formanaging the collection and storage of content in one or more collectionfolders. The content in a collection folder can include one or morefiles uploaded by one or more users (a “submitter”) and/or contentuploaded by a user (a “collector”) whose account includes the one ormore collection folders. The one or more submitters can include asubmitter who has an account with content management system 106, asubmitter who does not have an account with content management system106 or any combination thereof. A submitter can have limited rights tothe content in the one or more collection folders. The limited rightsallow a submitter to view only the content that the submitter uploadedand prohibits access to content uploaded by other submitters. In one ormore embodiments, the limited rights can only allow a submitter toupload content, but the submitter cannot access the uploaded content. Inone or more embodiments, a submitter can have access to content that isuploaded by the collector. The collector can control the access to thecontent by setting one or more parameters associated with the content.The access can include read-only access, copy-only access and/or replaceaccess. Read-only access allows a submitter to view the content butcannot edit the content. Copy-only access allows a submitter to copy acontent item, edit the content item and upload the content item as a newcontent item. Replace access allows a submitter to replace a previouslyuploaded file.

In some embodiments, content management system 106 can be configured tomaintain a content directory identifying the location of each contentitem in content storage 160. The content directory can include a uniquecontent entry for each content item stored in the content storage. Acontent entry can include a content path that can be used to identifythe location of the content item in content management system 106. Forexample, the content path can include the name of the content item and afolder hierarchy associated with the content item. For example, thecontent path can include a collection folder or path of collectionfolders in which the content item is placed as well as the name of thecontent item. Content management system 106 can use the content path topresent the content items in the appropriate folder hierarchy. A contententry can also include a content pointer that identifies the location ofthe content item in content storage 160. For example, the contentpointer can include the exact storage address of the content item inmemory. In some embodiments, the content pointer can point to multiplelocations, each of which contains a portion of the content item. Inaddition to a content path and content pointer, a content entry can alsoinclude a user identifier that identifies the user, e.g., a submitter ora collector, who has access to the content item.

Collection module 130 can be configured to generate a custom networkaddress, such as a uniform resource locator (URL), which allows any webbrowser to access the collection folder in content management system 106without any authentication. To accomplish this, collection module 130can be configured to include content identification data in thegenerated URL, which can later be used to properly identify the user,e.g., a collector or a submitter, and provide access to the collectionfolder. For example, collection module 130 can be configured to includethe user account identifier and the content path in the generated URL.Upon selection of the URL, the content identification data included inthe URL can be transmitted to content management system 106, which canuse the received content identification data to identify the appropriatecollection folder and provide access to the collection folder.

In addition to generating the URL, collection module 130 can also beconfigured to record that a URL to the collection folder has beencreated. In some embodiments, the collection folder can include a URLflag indicating whether a URL to the collection folder has been created.For example, the URL flag can be a Boolean value initially set to 0 orfalse to indicate that a URL to the collection folder has not beencreated. Collection module 130 can be configured to change the value ofthe flag to 1 or true after generating a URL to the collection folder.

In some embodiments, collection module 130 can also be configured todeactivate a generated URL. For example, each collection folder can alsoinclude a URL active flag indicating whether the collection foldershould be returned in response to a request from the generated URL. Forexample, collection module 130 can be configured to only return acollection folder requested by a generated link if the URL active flagis set to 1 or true. Thus, access to a collection folder for which a URLhas been generated can be easily restricted by changing the value of theURL active flag. This allows a collector to restrict access to thecollection folder without having to move the collection folder or deletethe generated URL. Likewise, collection module 130 can reactivate theURL by again changing the value of the URL active flag to 1 or true. Acollector can thus easily restore access to the collection folderwithout the need to generate a new URL. A collector has access to activecollection folders and deactivated collection folders. A submitter onlyhas access to active collection folders with limited access rights asdescribed herein.

In one or more embodiments, content management system 106 can includeone or more modules. For example, content management system 106 caninclude customization module 136, template module 138, email module 140,comment module 142, plagiarism detection module 144 and/or recognitionmodule 146. Customization module 136 can allow a collector to customizesettings/parameters for a file request by providing submitters withguidance and/or structure for the submissions. Template module 138 canallow a collector to provide a copy of a template file to eachsubmitter, thereby allowing each submitter to modify the submitter'scopy of the template file. Email module 140 can allow a submitter torespond to a file request via email and/or can allow a collector torequest a file request in response to entering one or more trigger wordsin an email message. Comment module 142 can allow a user, e.g.,collector and/or submitter, to comment on a file request and/or asubmission. Plagiarism detection module 144 can allow one or moresubmissions to be scanned for plagiarism. Recognition module 146 canallow a collector and/or a submitter to tag people and/or objects in aphotograph.

While content management system 106 is presented with specificcomponents, it should be understood by one skilled in the art, that thearchitectural configuration of system 106 is simply one possibleconfiguration and that other configurations with more or less componentsare also possible.

Referring to FIG. 2A, a block diagram of the components of a link basedcollection module 130 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment isillustrated. Collection module 130 enables a collector to provideothers, e.g., submitters, access to a collection folder, associated withthe collector, through a link, e.g., a collection link. As shown,collection module 130 can include link generation module 202, fileaccess module 204, link distribution module 206, link management module208 and collection database 210. Link generation module 202 can generatea link to the collection folder. File access module 204 can allow asubmitter to upload content. Alternatively, file access module 204 canallow a submitter to upload content and/or access content that thesubmitter has permission to access via the generated links. Linkdistribution module 206 can distribute one or more links to one or moresubmitters. Link management module 308 allows a collector to viewgenerated links. Collection database 210 can maintain information aboutthe content in a collection folder and related information such aswhether a collection folder is activated or deactivated.

Link generation module 202 is configured to generate a linkcorresponding to a collection folder or collection folders specified bythe collector. In one embodiment, upon receiving a file request, linkgeneration module 202 generates a unique folder descriptor of thecollection folder and a unique file location path or URL that serves asthe link. Sharing module 206 saves an association of the collectionfolder descriptor and the file location path or URL to sharing database210. In some embodiments, the generated file collection link isindependent of the collection folder descriptor so that the collectionfolder descriptor cannot be inferred from the collection folder link,and vice versa. An independent collection folder descriptor and filelocation path or URL prevents malfeasance by making it essentiallyimpossible to guess or reverse engineer a collection folder link if itis not already known. As an example, when a collection folder “Reunion”with a file ID of 3D8B99, link generation module 202 might generate aunique (e.g., one-way pad, or a pseudo-random value) URL such ashttps://www.service.com/s/28rtiz608u2mnco/BBQ.pdf, where the URLcomponent 28rtiz608u2mnco cannot be reverse-engineered, and accordinglycreate an entry <3D8B99,https://www.service.com/s/28rtiz608u2mnco/BBQ.pdf> in collectiondatabase 210. In one embodiment, the generated link can further beshortened. In some embodiments, the generated URLhttps://www.service.com/s/28rtiz608u2mnco/BBQ.pdf can further beshortened using a link-shortening service to a shorter URL (e.g.,http://db.tt/xOFounw), and an additional association between theoriginal link and the shortened link can be added to sharing database210. In another embodiment, the collection folder can be directlyassociated with the shortened link rather than with an intermediate,longer generated link.

In other embodiments, a collector can generate multiple different linksto the same collection folder or collection folders. Thus, the collectorcan more selectively control access to the collection folder orcollection folders by distributing different selections from among themultiple different links to different submitters. This may, for example,allow a collector to revoke certain submitters' access to the collectionfolder or collection folders while continuing to permit other submittersto access the file set (e.g., by deactivating certain submitters' linksto the collection folder or collection folders while maintaining othersubmitters' links in active status). In other embodiments, a collectorcan deactivate a collection folder or collection folders. Bydeactivating a collection folder or collection folders, submitters canno longer upload content to the collection folder or collection folders.In addition, submitters are prohibited access to the collection folderor collection folders that are designated as deactivated.

Moreover, since a collection folder link is versatile, in someembodiments, the system may include reference to a particular relevantapplication, or applications, in a link by embedding an applicationidentifier in the generated link. As an example, the generated link fora given collection folder could be the URLhttps://www.service.com?app=1ps3q/s/28rtiz608u2mnco/BBQ.pdf, whichspecifies (via the portion “app=1ps3q”) that some application uniquelyassociated with the identifier “1ps3q” (e.g., Microsoft Word orMicrosoft Visio) should be used to view a file in the collection folder.Alternatively, the association between the link and the application orapplication plug-in can be made as an entry in collection database 210,rather than by including an application identifier in the link. Forexample, in various embodiments, a user may generate a first link to acollection folder that specifies use of a first application for viewinga file in the collection folder, and a second link that specifies use ofa second application for viewing a file in the collection folder. Inthis example, collection database 210 would in turn contain twocorresponding entries: i.e., <collection file identifier, first linkidentifier, first application identifier> and <collection fileidentifier, second link identifier, second application identifier>. Inanother embodiment, link-based sharing module 26 may be configured toselect the proper applications or application plug-ins to use in thefile browser, e.g., based on the types of files in the collectionfolder. Link-based collection module 130 may also allow collectors tospecify which application should open a particular file or set of fileswhen the files are accessed via a particular link.

Malicious Code Detection

In one or more embodiments, communications interface module 120 caninterface with a malicious content detection system 170 via an API.Communications interface module 120 can receive a submission by asubmitter using client device 102 i via network 104. In response toreceiving the submission, communications interface module 120 canprovide the submission to malicious content detection system 170.Communication interface module 120 can provide a submission to maliciouscontent detection system 170 via network 104 and/or via one or moredifferent networks. The one or more different networks can be a localarea network (LAN) and/or other suitable communication networks (e.g.,the Internet, a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network(WAN) a mobile, a wire or wireless network, a private network, a virtualprivate network, etc.). Malicious content detection system 170 can scanthe submission for malicious code, such as viruses, trojans, malware,etc.

Referring to FIG. 2B, a block diagram of the components of a maliciouscontent detection system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment isillustrated. Malicious content detection system 170 can include firewall172, communication module 174, temporary storage 176, authenticationmodule 178 and malware scanning tool 180. Firewall 172 can be one ormore firewalls with each being software and/or hardware. Firewall 172can assist in preventing any malicious code from infecting contentmanagement system 106. Communication module 174 can receive and transmitsubmissions to and from content management system 106. Temporary storagemodule 176 can store the received submissions. Authentication module 178can verify user credentials, security tokens, API calls, specific clientdevices, and so forth, to ensure only authorized clients submit files tocontent management system 106. Alternatively, authentication module 178can communicate with authenticator module 126 of content managementsystem 106 to ensure that the submitter is authorized. Malware scanningtool 180 can scan the submission for malicious code. If malicious codeis detected, malware scanning tool 180 can attempt to remove themalicious code from the submission. If the removal is successful or ifthe submission does not contain malicious code, the submission can beprovided to content management system 106 for additional processing. Ifthe removal is unsuccessful, the submission can be quarantined fromcontent management system 106 or deleted. Malware scanning tool 180 canbe custom software or an off-the-shelf malicious code scanning software,such as, McAfee AVERT Virus Identification System (MAVIS) or McAfreeAntiVirus Plus, both available from McAfee of Santa Clara, Calif., orKaspersky AntiVirus software available from Kaspersky of Moscow, Russia.Malicious content detection system 170 can be part of content managementsystem 106 or can be a third party service that provides maliciouscontent detection for content management system 106.

Customization

Referring to FIG. 1, content management system 106 can includecustomization module 136, which can allow a collector to customizesettings/parameters for a file request by providing submitters withguidance and/or structure for the submissions. The customizationsettings can allow the collector to specify the number of submissionsthat a submitter can submit in response to a file request, specify thetype of files to be submitted in response to a file request, allow asubmitter to override a previous submission, allow white labeling on anupload user interface (UI), allow for the use of a template file forsubmissions, specify a deadline for a file request and allow for aprevious file request to be used again. In one or more embodiments, thecustomization settings can be default settings.

A number of submissions setting can control the number of submissionseach submitter can submit. For example, the collector can limit eachsubmitter to upload only one submission. In another example, thecollector can allow users to submit multiple submissions in response tothe same file request. The collector can choose a number setting or anunlimited setting to control the number of submissions. A file typesetting can control the type of files that a submitter can submit. Forexample, the file type setting can allow a collector to choose one ormore file types. The file types can include, but are not limited to,.doc, .docx, .xls, .pdf, .zip, .mov, .jpg or any other file types. Theoverride setting allows a collector to permit a submitter to replace oroverride a previous submission. By allowing a submitter to replace aprevious submission, the override setting can reduce the number ofsubmissions that are received in the collection folder. The overridesetting can be a yes or no setting with yes permitting overrides and noprohibiting overrides. The white labeling setting can allow a collectorto have a logo or text displayed on the upload page. The white labelingsetting can be a yes or no setting with yes permitting white labelingand no prohibiting white labeling. The template setting can allow acollector to use a template file. As discussed below, template module138 generates a copy of the template file for each submitter. As aresult, each submitter can modify the template file and save themodified template file to the collection folder. For example, a teachercan generate a template file for a homework assignment and have eachstudent modify the student's template file. As a result, each submittercan modify the template file and save the modified template file to thecollection folder. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/961,094 entitled“Sharing A Template File” filed on the same day as this application ishereby incorporated in its entirety. The deadline setting can allow acollector to set a deadline for permitting uploads to the collectionfolder. The previous file request setting allows a collector to reuse aprevious file request. The previous file request setting allows acollector to select a previous file request from a rendered list ofprevious file requests. Once selected, the collector can select one ormore of the customization settings to customize the settings of theprevious file request. For example, the collector can update thedeadline for the new file request.

Example User Experience

Referring to FIG. 3, a flowchart for a method for generating acollection folder in accordance with an exemplary embodiment isillustrated. Exemplary method 300 is provided by way of example, asthere are a variety of ways to carry out the method. Method 300described below can be carried out using the configurations illustratedin FIGS. 1 and 2A by way of example, and various elements of thesefigures are referenced in explaining exemplary method 300. Each blockshown in FIG. 3 represents one or more processes, methods orsubroutines, carried out in exemplary method 300. Exemplary method 300can begin at block 302.

At block 302, render a homepage UI for a user's account in contentmanagement system 106. For example, UI module 122 causes the renderingof a homepage UI for a user's account in content management system 106to be rendered on collector's client device 102 i. The rendering can bein response to a collector accessing the user's account via a webbrowser. To access the collector's account, the collector can click onan icon displayed on the collector's client device 102 i or by enteringthe domain name in a web browser on the collector's client device 102 i.FIG. 4A shows rendered homepage UI 400 on a user's client device 102 i,rendered homepage UI 400 is for an empty user's account along with amenu on the left with the “file request” menu option. FIG. 4B showsrendered homepage UI 410 on a user's client device 102 i, renderedhomepage 410 is for a non-empty user's account with a list of foldersand files in a user's account along with a menu on the left with the“file request” menu option. After rendering the homepage UI for a user'saccount, method 300 can proceed to block 304 or to block 306.

At block 304, render an initial homepage UI to generate a collectionfolder in response to receiving a selection of the file request menuoption. For example, UI module 122 receives a selection of the filerequests menu option and in response, causes the initial homepage togenerate a collection folder to be rendered on the collector's clientdevice 102. FIG. 5A shows an initial homepage UI 500 for creating acollection folder. In addition, information associated with collectionfolders can be rendered as shown. For example, the additionalinformation can be “Give your file request a name,” “Send your requestto people you want files from” and “File submissions will sync securelyto your Dropbox.” FIG. 5B shows an initial homepage UI 500 for creatinga collection folder with “create new file request” button 502 beingselected. Rendering initial homepage UI 500 for creating a collectionfolder can be optional. After rendering initial homepage UI 500 togenerate a collection folder, method 300 can proceed to block 306.

At block 306, render prompts requesting information from the collectorin response to receiving a request to generate a link for use incollecting one or more files from one or more submitters. The request togenerate a link can be from the collector selecting the file requestmenu option or from the collector selecting the create new file request.For example, UI module 122 receives a request to generate a link andcauses the rendering of prompts requesting information from thecollector to be rendered on the collector's client device 102 i. Theprompts can be rendered in various forms. For example, an initial UIprompting the collector for information can be rendered on thecollector's client device 102 i.

Referring to FIG. 6, a flowchart for a method for rendering promptsrequesting information from the collector in accordance with anexemplary embodiment is illustrated. Exemplary method 600 is provided byway of example, as there are a variety of ways to carry out the method.Method 600 described below can be carried out using the configurationsillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2A by way of example, and various elements ofthese figures are referenced in explaining exemplary method 600. Eachblock shown in FIG. 6 represents one or more processes, methods orsubroutines, carried out in exemplary method 600. Exemplary method 600can begin at block 602.

At block 602, render prompts for creating a file request. For example,UI module 122 causes an initial UI to be rendered on the collector'sclient device 102 i prompting the collector to enter a name for the filerequest and a location where the requested files should be stored. Forexample, FIG. 7A shows exemplary initial UI 700 rendering prompts “Whatwould you like to name your file request?” 702 and “Where do you wantyour requested files to go?” 704. After rendering the prompts forcreating a file request, method 600 can proceed to block 604.

At block 604, receive responses to the prompts. For example, UI module122 receives responses to the rendered prompts. Based on the submissionto the name of the file request, UI module 122 can autofill thedestination response. The destination response can be based on the nameof the file request. Referring to FIG. 7A, the requested files will becalled “Final papers” and the collected files will be stored in a “Finalpapers” collection folder under the Requests folder in the collector'suser account, e.g., “/Requests/Final papers.” The collector can changethe destination by selecting change destination button 706. Afterreceiving responses to the prompts, method 600 can proceed to block 606.

At block 606, receive a button selection. For example, UI module 122receives a button selection. Referring to FIG. 7A, the collector cancustomize the file request by selecting customization button 708, cancreate the file request by selecting a create file request button 710and/or can cancel the file request by selecting the cancel button 712.If the customization button 708 is selected, method 600 can proceed toblock 608. If the create file request button is selected, method 600 canproceed to block 308 of FIG. 3. If the cancel button is selected, method600 can proceed to block 302 of FIG. 3.

At block 608, render a customization UI. For example, UI module 122and/or the customization module 136 causes a customization UI to berendered on the collector's client device 102 i. Referring to FIG. 7B, acustomization UI is rendered on the collector's client device 102 i andshows the customization settings. As shown, the collector can customizethe file request by specifying one or more settings, such as the numberof submissions 722, types of files that can be submitted 724, override726, white labeling 728, deadline 730, plagiarism detection 732,template 734, previous file request 736 and roles 738.

The customization settings can be set using various methodologies. Thefollowing is one methodology that can be used. By selecting “Number ofSubmissions” setting 722, customization module 136 causes a drop downmenu to be rendered on the collector's client device 102 i withdifferent numbers being displayed for the maximum number of submissionsa submitter can submit. The default number of submissions setting 722can be one. If a submitter attempts to submit more than the maximumpermitted, UI module 122 can cause a message to be rendered on thesubmitter's client device 102 i informing the submitter that thesubmitter has reached the maximum submissions. By selecting the “Typesof Files” setting 724, customization module 136 causes a drop down menuto be rendered on the collector's client device 102 i with differentfile types being displayed. The collector can select one or more of thedrop down menu selections for the different types of files that arepermitted. The default types of files setting 724 can be any. If asubmitter attempts to load a file type that is not permitted, userinterface module 122 can cause a message to be rendered on thesubmitter's client device 102 i informing the submitter that the filetype is not permitted. By selecting the “Override” setting 726, thecollector can choose yes (permit) or no (prohibit) to allow or deny asubmitter from replacing a submission. The default override setting 726can be permitted. By selecting the “White Labeling” setting 728, thecollector can choose yes to have white labeling or no to not have whitelabeling. If yes is selected, the collector can be prompted to upload afile containing the white labeling image. The default white labelingsetting 728 can be no. By selecting the “Deadline” setting 730, thecollector can choose yes to have a deadline or choose no not to have adeadline. If yes is selected a calendar can be rendered in which thecollector can choose a date for a deadline. In addition, a dropdown menucan be displayed prompting the collector to select a time for thedeadline. The default deadline setting 730 can be no. By selecting the“Plagiarism” setting, the collector can elect to have the submissionsscanned for plagiarism by selecting yes or not to have the submissionsscanned for plagiarism by selecting no. The default plagiarism detectionsetting 732 can be no. By selecting the “Template” setting 734, thecollector can choose yes to use a template or no not to use a template.If yes is selected, the collector can be prompted to upload a templatefile. The default template setting 734 can be no. By selecting the“Previous File Request” setting, the collector can choose yes to use aprevious file request or no not to use a previous file request 736. Ifyes is selected, the collector can be prompted to select a previous filerequest. The default previous file request setting 736 can be no. Byselecting the “Roles” setting 738, a dropdown menu can be renderedallowing the collector to choose between submitter and submitter/viewer.The submitter setting allows a user to submit files. Thesubmitter/viewer setting allows for a submitter/user to submit files anda viewer can access the collection folder to see if a correspondingsubmitter submitted a file. The viewer can be a parent or guardian andhas limited rights, such as viewing only rights. The viewer, like thesubmitter, can only view files that the corresponding submitter hassubmitted. In one or more embodiments, the collector can be prompted toenter a corresponding email address for a viewer when the collector isprompted to enter the submitter's email addresses. For example, thecollector can enter an “&” between a submitter's email address and theviewer's email address or there can be separable fields for thesubmitter's and the viewer's email addresses. In one or moreembodiments, the submitter can be prompted to enter a viewer's emailaddress when uploading a file. If the collector selected the whitelabeling setting 728, method 600 can proceed to block 610. If thecollector selected the deadline setting, method 600 can proceed to block614. If the collector selected the template setting, method 600 canproceed to block 622. If the collector selected the previous filerequest setting, method 600 can proceed to block 626. If the collectorselected the save button 740, method 600 can proceed to block 630. Ifthe collector selected the cancel button 742, method 600 can proceed toblock 308 of FIG. 3.

At block 610, render a file listing UI displaying a list of whitelabeling files. For example, UI module 122 and/or customization module136 can render a file listing UI on the collector's client device 102 idisplaying white labeling files for the collector to select a file forthe white labeling. FIG. 7C shows file listing UI 750 displaying filesthat the collector can choose for the white labeling. After renderingthe file listing UI displaying a list of files, method 600 can proceedto block 612. At block 612, receive a white file labeling selection. Forexample, UI module 122 and/or customization module 136 receives aselection of a rendered file to be used for white labeling. Afterreceiving the selection, method 600 can proceed to block 606.

At block 614, render a UI displaying a calendar. For example, UI module122 and/or customization module 136 renders a UI on the collector'sclient device 102 i displaying a calendar for the collector to select adeadline. After rendering the UI displaying a calendar, method 600 canproceed to block 616. At block 616, receive a deadline date. Forexample, UI module 122 and/or customization module 136 receives adeadline date. After receiving the deadline date, method 600 can proceedto block 618. At block 618, render a UI displaying times. For example,UI module 122 and/or customization module 136 renders a UI on thecollector's client device 102 i displaying times for the collector toselect a deadline. After rendering the UI displaying times, method 600can proceed to block 620. At block 620, receive a deadline time. Forexample, UI module 122 and/or customization module 136 receives adeadline time. After receiving the deadline time, method 600 can proceedto block 606.

At block 622, render a UI displaying a list of template files. Forexample, UI module 122 and/or customization module 136 renders a UI onthe collector's client device 102 i displaying a list of template filesfrom which to select a template file. FIG. 7D shows UI 760 displayingtemplate files that the collector can choose for the template. Afterrendering the UI displaying a list of template files, method 600 canproceed to block 624. At block 624, receive a template file selection.For example, UI module 122 and/or customization module 136 receives aselection of a template file. After receiving the template fileselection, method 600 can proceed to block 606.

At block 626, render a UI displaying previous file requests. Forexample, UI module 122 and/or customization module 136 can render a UIon the collector's client device 102 i displaying a list of previousfile requests to select a previous file request. For example, FIG. 4Bshows a UI displaying previous file requests from which the collectorcan choose. After rendering the UI displaying a list of previous filerequests, method 600 can proceed to block 628. At block 628, receive aprevious file request selection. For example, UI module 122 and/orcustomization module 136 receives a selection of a previous filerequest. After receiving the previous file request selection, method 600can proceed to block 606.

At block 630, store the customization settings. For example, UIinterface 122 and/or customization module 136 can store and associatethe customization settings with the file request. After storing thecustomization settings, method 600 can proceed to block 308 of FIG. 3.

Referring to FIG. 3, at block 308, generate a link in response toreceiving the prompted information. For example, link generation module202 generates a collection link to a designated collection folder usingat least some of the information received from the prompts, e.g., wherethe collector would like the uploaded files to be stored. If thedesignated collection folder does not exist, link generation module 202can create the collection folder. Link generation module 202 can storethe generated collection link. The generated collection link can bestored in one or more locations. For example, the generated collectionlink can be associated with the collection and stored in content storage160 and/or in an activity log. After generating the link, method 300 canproceed to block 310.

At block 310, render a prompt to identify submitters. For example, UImodule 122 renders a submitter invite UI on the collector's clientdevice 102 i prompting the collector to enter email addresses of one ormore submitters. As shown in FIG. 8A, the submitter invite UI 800renders a generated collection link 802. In this example, the collectionlink is“https://meta-dbdev.dev.corp.dropbox.com/drops/4ooD8QgdMhqt.RjxHl.”Rendering the generated collection link can be optional. Submitterinvite UI 800 can prompt the collector to invite submitters to uploadcontent to the collection folder. For example, the prompt is “Or inviteothers to your file request via email.” The collector can enter one ormore email addresses for one or more submitters in invite box 804.Alternatively, the collector can copy the file request link for lateruse. If the collector used a previous file request, the email addressesassociated with the previous file request can be auto-filled into theinvite box. If the user enters one or more email addresses and selectsdone button 806 rendered on submitter invite UI 800, method 300 canproceed to block 312. If the user does not enter one or more emailaddresses and selects done button 806 rendered on submitter invite UI800, method 300 can proceed to block 316.

At block 312, render a prompt for a message. For example, UI module 122renders a second submitter invite UI on the collector's client device102 i prompting the collector to enter a message to be sent to the oneor more submitters along with the file request link. As shown in FIG.8B, second submitter invite UI 810 can display file request link 802,entered email addresses 804 and comment box 812 for entering a comment.Rendering the generated collection link can be optional. As shown inFIG. 8B, the exemplary email address is anglealli@dropbox.com and themessage is “Hey! Upload your final papers here.” To have the filerequests sent, the collector can select send button 814 rendered onsecond submitter invite UI 810. Alternatively, the collector can selectcancel button 816 rendered on second submitter invite UI 810 to cancelthe file request. After receiving information to the prompts andreceiving the selection of the send button, method 300 can proceed toblock 314.

At block 314, store the entered email addresses and a message ifentered. For example, UI module 122 can store the entered emailaddresses and the message, if entered, in content storage 160. Afterstoring the one or more email addresses and a message, if entered,method 300 can proceed to block 316.

At block 316, distribute the generated link. For example, collectionmodule 130 and/or email module 140 sends an email message based on atleast some of the received information. The email message can containthe generated link, and the message, if entered, to the one or moresubmitters whose email addresses were entered by the collector. Inanother example, the collector can type or paste the generatedcollection link in an email message and send it. In another example, thecollector can paste the generated collection link in a website, such asa social network website. The email message or the website can containthe generated collection link, which the submitter can click on toupload one or more files to the collection folder. The email message cancontain a hypertext link for the generated collection link. If thecollector customized the file request, the email message can containinformation based on the customization settings. For example, the emailmessage can indicate the number of submissions that the submitter isallowed to submit, the types of file that the submitter can submit, ifthe submitter is permitted to override a submission and a deadline forcompleting a submission. If the file request is based on a templatefile, the submitter can be informed to complete the template file andsubmit the completed template file. If the collector did not enter anemail address, an email message containing the generated collection linkcan be sent to the collector. After distributing the generatedcollection link, method 300 can proceed to block 318.

At block 318, notify the collector that the collection folder request isestablished. Notification can include, but is not limited to, email,text message, posting to the account, application notifications (e.g.,in-band notifications) or any other means of notification. For example,collection module 130 and/or email module 140 sends an email message tothe collector informing the collector that the collection folder requesthas been established. After notifying the collector that the collectionfolder request is established, method 300 can proceed to block 320.

At block 320, render a file upload UI prompting the submitter forinformation in response to a submitter activating the generatedcollection link. For example, UI module 122 causes a file upload UI tobe rendered on the submitter's client device 102 i. FIG. 9A showsrendered file upload UI 900. As shown, the submitter is prompted toenter first name 902, last name 904, email address 906, choose files 908to upload to the collection folder and to add comment 910. In one ormore embodiments, rendered file upload UI 900 can inform the submitterof any customization settings, such as, number of submissions permitted912, type of files permitted 914, if overrides 916 are permitted anddeadline 918, if any. If the file request was customized, then one ormore of the customization setting can be displayed. In one or moreembodiments, the customization settings can be displayed or notdisplayed if no customization settings were displayed. The rendered fileupload UI 900 can render white labeling 920 if the collector elected todisplay one. As shown, ABC Corp. logo 920 is displayed as whitelabeling. After rendering the file upload page, method 300 can proceedto block 322.

At block 322, receive information associated with the submitter and oneor more uploaded files. For example, UI module 122 receives informationprovided by the submitter in response to the prompts and the selectionof one or more files to be uploaded. To select the one or more files tobe uploaded, the submitter can select the choose files option and adirectory of the submitter's client device 102 i can be renderedallowing the submitter to select one or more files for uploading. Thesubmitter can enter a comment in response to comments prompt 910, whichwill be provided to the collector. After receiving the information andthe selection of one or more files to be uploaded, method 300 canproceed to block 324.

At block 324, upload the information and one or more selected files.After providing the information and selecting one or more files toupload, the submitter can select upload button 922 shown in FIG. 9A toupload the information and one or more files to content managementsystem 106. For example, the client software on the submitter's clientdevice 102 i can cause the information and one or more selected files tobe uploaded to content management system 106. After uploading theinformation and one or more files, method 300 can proceed to block 326.

At block 326, store the one or more uploaded files. For example, contentitem management module 128 stores the one or more uploaded files incontent storage 160. The one or more uploaded files can be stored in thecollection folder and/or be associated with the collection folder. Acontent directory can identify the location of each content item incontent storage 160. The content directory can include a unique contententry for each content item stored in content storage 160. The contententry can include a content pointer that identifies the location of thecontent item in content storage 160 if the submitter has an account withcontent management system 106. After storing the one or more uploadedfiles, method 300 can proceed to block 328.

At block 328, notify the collector in response to one or more filesbeing stored in the collection folder. Notification can include, but isnot limited to, email, text message, posting to the account, applicationnotifications (e.g., in-band notifications) or any other means ofnotification. For example, account management module 124, email module140 and/or link distribution module 206 causes an email message to besent to the collector notifying the collector that one or more fileshave been uploaded to the collection folder. The email message canprovide information associated with the uploaded one or more files. Forexample, the information can include the file name, a timestamp for whenthe file was uploaded and the name of the submitter for each uploadedfile. After notifying the collector of one or more files being stored inthe collection folder, method 300 can proceed to block 330.

At block 330, access the collection folder by the collector. Forexample, the collector can access the collector's account and can selectthe collection folder. The collector can access the collector's accountvia a web browser or via the client software residing on the collector'sclient device 102 i. Alternatively, the collector can click on a link inthe email message to access the collection folder. After accessing thecollection folder, method 300 can proceed to block 332.

At block 332, publish the collection folder in response to a publishcommand. For example, collection module 130 can receive a publishcommand and cause the collection folder to be available to thesubmitters. As a result, a submitter can access the collection folderand view other submitters' uploaded files. Block 332 is furtherdiscussed below.

Roles/Permission

In one or more embodiments, content management system 106 does notrequire the submitter to be authenticated in order to submit one or morefiles. In one or more embodiments, the submitter can be authenticated.For example, authenticator module 134 can perform the authentication ofa submitter prior to storing the submitter's uploaded content. In orderfor a submitter to upload content to the collection folder, thesubmitter uses the file request link and enters limited data, such as, afirst name, last name and email address. Authentication can include thesubmitter having to login into the submitter's user account and/orentering a password. Authenticator module 126 can authenticate asubmitter by determining if the user is logged into a user account. Ifthe submitter is not logged into a user account, the submitter can beprompted to enter user account login information. For example, thesubmitter can enter a user name and a password that are associated withthe submitter's user account. In one or more embodiments, authenticatormodule 126 can authenticate a user by prompting the user to enter apassword. The password can be a password that the collector registeredwhen the collection folder was created. The collector can distribute thepassword via email or using other known methods. For example, a teachercan simply tell the password to the students in person. Alternatively,the password can be a password that the submitter set when the submitterinitially accessed a link associated with content management system 100.

Referring to FIG. 9B, a flowchart for a method for storing an uploadedfile in a collection folder in accordance with an exemplary embodimentis illustrated. Exemplary method 950 is provided by way of example, asthere are a variety of ways to carry out the method. Method 950described below can be carried out using the configurations illustratedin FIGS. 1 and 2A by way of example, and various elements of thesefigures are referenced in explaining exemplary method 950. Each blockshown in FIG. 9B represents one or more processes, methods orsubroutines, carried out in exemplary method 900. Exemplary method 950can begin at block 952.

At block 952, receive information associated with the submitter and theone or more files to be uploaded. For example, communications interfacemodule 120 receives information associated with the submitter and theone or more uploaded files. After receiving the information and the oneor more files, method 950 can proceed to block 954.

At block 954, determine if the submitter is an authorized submitter. Forexample, authenticator module 126 can determine if the submitter isauthorized to upload content based on the information received from thesubmitter. For example, authenticator module 126 can compare thereceived information against information associated with the collectionfolder to determine if the submitter is authorized to upload content. Ifthe submitter is not authorized, method 950 can proceed to block 956. Ifthe submitter is authorized, method 950 can proceed to block 958.

At block 956, notify the submitter. Notification can include, but is notlimited to, email, text message, posting to the account, applicationnotifications (e.g., in-band notifications) or any other means ofnotification. For example, authenticator module 126, UI module 122and/or email module 144 notifies the submitter that the submitter is notauthorized to upload content to the collection folder. UI module 122 cancause a message to be rendered on the submitter's client device 102 iand/or email module 144 can send an email message to the submitter. Themessage and/or email message can inform the submitter that they are notauthorized to submit a file. The notification can be done via an emailmessage or a web page.

At block 958, generate a file name for each of the uploaded files. Forexample, file access module 204 determines how many files the submitterhas submitted in the collection folder under the file request name andgenerates a file name for each of the uploaded files. The file name isgenerated by combining the file request name and either the submitter'sname or the submitter's user name of the submitter's email address. Thesubmitter's first name, last name or any combination thereof can beused. For example, if the file request was named Homework Assignment #3and Jane Doe uploaded a file, the file name can be “Homework Assignment#3—Jane Doe”. Depending on whether the submitter's name or user name isunique a number may be added. For example, if two submitter's have thesame first and last name, then a number can be added to the one of thesubmitter's name to differentiate the two submitters. If the submitterhas submitted more than one file, the files submitted after the firstfile can include a number. For example, if a file request for a WeddingPhotos collection folder is generated and Bob Smith submits threefiles/photos, the first photo can be named Bob Smith Wedding Photo, thesecond photo can be named Bob Smith Wedding Photo 2 and the third photocan be Bob Smith Wedding Photo 3. One of ordinary skill in the art wouldrecognize other methods for generating unique names for the submittersand for generating unique file names can be used. After generating afile name for each uploaded file, method 900 can proceed to block 910.

At block 910, store each file and the associated file name. For example,file access module 204 stores each file and the generated name incontent storage 160.

Malicious Content Detection

In one or more embodiments, the information and one or more uploadedfiles from a submitter can be provided to malicious content detectionsystem 170 prior to being stored in collection folder and/or contentstorage 160. For example, in response to a submitter uploading theinformation and one or more files at block 324 of FIG. 3, theinformation and the one or more uploaded files can be provided tomalicious content detection system 170 for scanning. Alternatively, theone or more uploaded files can be received by content management system106 and then sent to malicious code detection system 170 for scanning.

Referring to FIG. 10, a flowchart for a method for scanning one or moreuploaded files in accordance with an exemplary embodiment isillustrated. Exemplary method 1000 is provided by way of example, asthere are a variety of ways to carry out the method. Method 1000described below can be carried out using the configurations illustratedin FIGS. 1 and 2B by way of example, and various elements of thesefigures are referenced in explaining exemplary method 1000. Each blockshown in FIG. 10 represents one or more processes, methods orsubroutines, carried out in exemplary method 1000. Exemplary method 1000can begin at block 1002.

At block 1002, receive and store one or more uploaded files. Forexample, malicious content detection system 170 can receive the one ormore uploaded files and store the received files in memory. The one ormore uploaded files can be received from the submitter's client device102 i or can be received from content management system 106. Forexample, the one or more uploaded files can be sent by communicationinterface module 120. The one or more uploaded files can pass throughfirewall 172 and be received by communication module 174, which storesthe one or more uploaded files in temporary storage 176. Temporarystorage 176 can be random access memory (RAM), hard disk drive (HDD),flash memory, such as a solid state drive (SSD), one or more servers,etc. After receiving and storing the one or more uploaded files, method1000 can proceed to block 1004.

At block 1004, determine whether the submitter of the one or more filesis authorized. For example, authenticator module 178 can verify whetherthe submitter is an authorized user/submitter. Authenticator module 178can determine if the submitter is associated with the collection folder.The determination can be based on credentials, security tokens, APIcalls, specific client devices, and so forth. Alternatively,authenticator module 178 can communicate with authentication module 122to determine if the submitter is authorized. If the submitter isdetermined not to be associated with the collection folder, method 1000can proceed to block 1006. If the submitter is determined to beassociated with the collection folder, method 1000 can proceed to block1010.

At block 1006, notify the submitter that the submission is notauthorized. Notification can include, but is not limited to, email, textmessage, posting to the account, application notifications (e.g.,in-band notifications) or any other means of notification. For example,communication module 174 can send an email message to the submitternotifying the submitter that the submission is not authorized.Alternatively, communication module 174 can send a command to UI module122 that can cause a notification UI to be rendered on the submitter'sclient device 102 i notifying the submitter that the submission is notauthorized. Alternatively, communication module 174 can send a commandto UI module 122 that can cause an email message to be sent to thesubmitter notifying the submitter that the submission is not authorized.After notifying the submitter, method 1000 can proceed to block 1008. Atblock 1008, delete the submission from the temporary storage. Forexample, communication module 174 can cause the submission to be deletedfrom temporary storage 176.

At block 1010, scan each uploaded file for malicious code. For example,malware scanning tool 180 can scan each uploaded file for maliciouscode, such as viruses, trojans, malware, etc. If an uploaded filecontains malicious content, method 1000 can proceed to block 1012. If anuploaded file does not contain malicious code, method 1000 can proceedto block 1020.

At block 1012, attempt to remove the malicious code. For example,malware scanning tool 180 attempts to remove the malicious code. If themalicious code is not successfully removed from an uploaded file, method1000 can proceed to block 1014. If the malicious code is successfullyremoved from an uploaded file, method 1000 can proceed to block 1020.

At block 1014, quarantine a file containing malicious code. For example,malware scanning tool 180 quarantines an uploaded file containingmalicious code. Quarantining can include maintaining an uploaded filecontaining malicious code in temporary storage 176, storing an uploadedfile containing malicious code in separate storage, deleting an uploadedfile containing malicious code and/or flagging an uploaded filecontaining malicious content. After quarantining an uploaded filecontaining malicious code, method 1000 can proceed to block 1016.

At block 1016, notify the submitter of a quarantined file. Notificationcan include, but is not limited to, email, text message, posting to theaccount, application notifications (e.g., in-band notifications) or anyother means of notification. For example, communication module 174 cansend an email message to the submitter notifying the submitter that anuploaded file contains malicious code. Alternatively, communicationmodule 174 can send a command to UI module 122 that causes anotification UI to be rendered on the submitter's client device 102 inotifying the submitter that an uploaded file contains malicious code.After notifying the submitter, method 1000 can proceed to block 1018.

At block 1018, notify the collector of a quarantined file. Notificationcan include, but is not limited to, email, text message, posting to theaccount, application notifications (e.g., in-band notifications) or anyother means of notification. For example, communication module 174 cansend an email message to the collector notifying the collector that anuploaded file contains malicious code. Alternatively, communicationmodule 174 can send a command to UI module 122 that causes anotification UI to be rendered on the collector's client device 102 inotifying the collector that an uploaded file contains malicious code.After notifying the collector, method 1000 can proceed to block 1020 ifanother uploaded file does not contain malicious code.

At block 1020, provide each uploaded file that does not containmalicious code to the content management system. For example,communication module 174 provides each of the uploaded files that do notcontain malicious code to content management system 106 for storage.

Plagiarism Detection

In one or more embodiments, the one or more uploaded files from asubmitter can be scanned for plagiarism. For example, in response tostoring one or more uploaded files at block 326 of FIG. 3, plagiarismmodule 144 can scan the one or more uploaded files for plagiarism. Forexample, each uploaded file can be compared to the other uploaded filesin the collection folder and/or content items available via the Internetand/or content items stored in a database built from archived instancesof the Internet. The plagiarism detection can be done by plagiarismmodule 144 and/or via a third party service 109 i. For example,plagiarism module 144 can include a plagiarism API which can send one ormore uploaded files to a plagiarism detector service, such as, Turnitinby iParadigms, LLC of Oakland, Calif., Plagiarism Detector Pro orPlagiarism Detector Accumulator Server by Skyline, Inc. of Alexandria,Va. or plagiarism module 144 can include plagiarism software from suchvendors and/or proprietary plagiarism software.

Referring to FIG. 11, a flowchart for a method for detecting plagiarismin one or more uploaded files in accordance with an exemplary embodimentis illustrated. Exemplary method 1100 is provided by way of example, asthere are a variety of ways to carry out the method. Method 1100described below can be carried out using the configurations illustratedin FIGS. 1 and 2A by way of example, and various elements of thesefigures are referenced in explaining exemplary method 1100. Each blockshown in FIG. 11 represents one or more processes, methods orsubroutines, carried out in exemplary method 1100. Exemplary method 1100can begin at block 1102.

At block 1102, receive one or more uploaded files associated with thecollection folder. For example, collection module 130 receives one ormore uploaded files submitted to the collection folder. After receivingthe one or more uploaded files, method 1100 can proceed to block 1104.

At block 1104, provide the one or more uploaded files to the plagiarismdetection module. For example, collection module 130 provides thecontent item to plagiarism detection module 144. The one or moreuploaded files can be provided to the plagiarism detection module 144 atthe time the uploaded file is received, at periodic intervals and/orupon completion of a file request collection. After providing thecontent item to the plagiarism detection module 144, method 1100 canproceed to block 1106.

At block 1106, scan the one or more uploaded files forplagiarism/similarity. For example, plagiarism detection module 144 canrun plagiarism software or send the content item to plagiarism service109 i to scan for plagiarism/similarities. In one or more embodiments,the plagiarism software or plagiarism service 109 i compares the one ormore uploaded files to other uploaded files in the collection folderand/or checks the one or more uploaded files by comparing each uploadedfile with other content items available via the Internet and/or one ormore databases available via the Internet. For example, plagiarismdetection is performed by breaking a received content item, e.g., theparent content item, into phrases. Then the phrases are sent to a searchengine. Then, the search engine results are downloaded and each searchengine source is analyzed by comparing the phrases from the parentcontent item with phrases in other content items. After scanning the oneor more uploaded files for plagiarism/similarity, method 1100 canproceed to block 1108.

At block 1108, generate a plagiarism/similarity report. For example,plagiarism detection module 144 or plagiarism detection service 109 igenerates a plagiarism/similarity report. If plagiarism detectionservice 109 i performs the plagiarism scanning then plagiarism detectionservice 109 i provides the plagiarism/similarity report to plagiarismdetection module 144. The plagiarism/similarity report can include asimilarity parameter. After generating a plagiarism/similarity report,method 1100 can proceed to block 1110.

At block 1110, compare the similarity parameter with a predeterminedthreshold. For example, plagiarism detection module 144 compares asimilarity parameter from the plagiarism/similarity report to apredetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold can be set by theplagiarism software, plagiarism service 109 i or by the collector. Ifthe comparison indicates plagiarism, e.g., the similarity parametermeets or exceeds the predetermined threshold, then method 1100 canproceed to block 1112. If the comparison does not indicate plagiarism,e.g., the similarity parameter is below the predetermined threshold,then method 1100 can proceed to block 1114.

At block 1112, notify the collector of potential plagiarism.Notification can include, but is not limited to, email, text message,posting to the account, application notifications (e.g., in-bandnotifications) or any other means of notification. For example, emailmodule 140 or plagiarism detection module 144 sends an email message tothe collector notifying the collector of potential plagiarism. The emailmessage can include the plagiarism/similarity report. After notifyingthe collector, method 1100 can proceed to block 1114.

At block 1114, store the plagiarism/similarity report. For example,collection module 130 and/or plagiarism detection module 144 stores theplagiarism/similarity report in the collection folder.

Commenting

In one or more embodiments, online content management system 106 canenable users, e.g., submitter and/or collectors, to provide commentsregarding a submission. As discussed below, a user can enter comments ina comment section rendered in a viewing UI. The comment section can beprovided across devices, platforms, and file types. For example, contentmanagement system 106 can provide storage, retrieval, editing, andcommenting service for content items such as word processing documents,spreadsheets, presentations, videos, streaming content, images, and anyother content or file type. In one or more embodiments, the commentsection can be provided, by content management system 106, on aninterface different from a native application associated with arespective content item. For example, the comment section could be anapplication layer independent from, or layered on top of, the nativeapplication of a respective file type being displayed. In one example,the layer could be associated with an application provided by the onlinecontent management system or by a browser plug-in when viewed through aweb browser. In one example, this could be achieved by adding metadatato each content item that is readable by the application provided byonline content management system 106 or the metadata could point to alocation with comment data that is retrievable by online contentmanagement system 106. Alternatively, the comments may also be displayedthough the native application associated with the content item.

Referring to FIG. 12A, a flowchart for a method for enabling users toprovide comments to a submission in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment is illustrated. Exemplary method 1200 is provided by way ofexample, as there are a variety of ways to carry out the method. Method1200 described below can be carried out using the configurationsillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2A by way of example, and various elements ofthese figures are referenced in explaining exemplary method 1200. Eachblock shown in FIG. 12A represents one or more processes, methods orsubroutines, carried out in exemplary method 1200. Exemplary method 1200can begin at block 1202.

At block 1202, render a file listing UI. For example, UI module 122causes the rendering of a file listing UI displaying a list of filesthat a user has saved to content management system 106. For example, UImodule 122 renders a file listing UI 1250 on the submitter's clientdevice 102 i listing three files that submitter Jane Doe has stored incontent management system 106 as shown in FIG. 12B. As shown, the threefiles are: Homework Assignment #1—Jane Doe 1252, Homework Assignment#2—Jane Doe 1254 and Homework Assignment #3—Jane Doe 1256. The collectorcan have a similar listing of files for files that were submitted to acollection folder. After rendering the file listing UI, method 1200 canproceed to block 1204.

At block 1204, receive a file selection. For example, UI module 122receives a file selection made by the user. In this example, thesubmitter selected the Homework Assignment #3—Jane Doe file. Afterreceiving the file selection, method 1200 can proceed to block 1206.

At block 1206, render the selected file in a viewing UI. For example, UImodule 122 causes the rendering of a viewing UI displaying the selectedfile. The selected file, Homework Assignment #3—Jane Doe, is rendered inviewing UI 1260 on the submitter's client device 102 i as shown in FIG.12C. After rendering the selected file, method 1200 can proceed to block1208.

At block 1208, receive a selection of a comment icon. For example, UImodule 122 and/or comment module 142 receives the selection of displayedcomment icon 1264 shown in FIG. 12C. After receiving the comment iconselection, method 1200 can proceed to block 1210.

At block 1210, expand a comment section and render a comment box. Forexample, UI module 112 and/or the comment module 142 can cause commentsection 1268 to expand and causes comment box 1266 to be rendered asshown in FIG. 12D. As shown, information associated with the contentitem can be rendered 1270 by UI module 112 and/or comment module 142 onthe submitter's client device 102 i. For example, the title of thesubmitted file is rendered: “Homework Assignment #3” and informationabout when the content item was shared is displayed: “Sent 2 days ago byJohn Doe.” After expanding the comment section and rendering a commentbox, method 1250 can proceed to block 1212.

At block 1212, receive a comment. For example, UI module 112 and/orcomment module 142 receives a comment that the user entered in commentbox 1266. For example, the submitter, Jane, enters a comment, “I did notdo well on this assignment and would like to meet with you to discuss.”After receiving the comment, method 1200 can proceed to block 1214.

At block 1214, render the comment in the comment section. For example,UI module 112 and/or comment module 142 can cause the comment to berendered on the submitter's client device 102 i in the comment sectionon the viewing UI as shown in FIG. 12E. The user can enter anothercomment by entering a comment in comment box 1266. After rendering thecomment, method 1200 can proceed to block 1216.

At block 1216, synchronize the comment with the associated file. Forexample, synchronization module 134 can synchronize the comment by thefirst user, e.g., the submitter, with the uploaded file associated withthe user account of the second user, e.g., the collector. Aftersynchronizing the comment, method 1200 can proceed to block 1218.

At block 1218, render the comment on the other user's client device. Forexample, UI module 112 and/or comment module 142 can cause the commentto be rendered on the other user's client device 102 i, e.g., thecollector's client device 102 i. Comment section 1269 with the commentcan be rendered next to document 1262 when the user opens the fileassociated with the comment. The other user can respond to the commentand have the new comment posted to both users' client devices 102 i. Forexample, the comments can be posted on the submitter's client device 102i as shown in FIG. 12F. As shown, the collector responded with “Howabout Wednesday after class?”

Although the above example is directed at the submitter, one of ordinaryskill in the art would recognize that the example can be directed to thecollector entering an initial comment. In another example, a user canenter a comment for a photograph to provide details of the photo. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 12G, a user, Jane, entered the comment, “Itook this photo from my office on October 30, 2015.”

Chat

In one or more embodiments, online content management system 106 canenable users, e.g., submitter and/or collectors, to chat about asubmission. As discussed below, a user can enter comments in a chatsection rendered in a viewing UI. The chat section can be providedacross devices, platforms, and file types. For example, contentmanagement system 106 can provide storage, retrieval, editing, andcommenting service for content items such as word processing documents,spreadsheets, presentations, videos, streaming content, images, and anyother content or file type. In one or more embodiments, the chat sectioncan be provided, by the content management provider, on an interfacedifferent from a native application associated with a respective contentitem. For example, the chat section could be an application layerindependent from, or layered on top of, the native application of arespective file type being displayed. In one example, the layer could beassociated with an application provided by the online content managementsystem or by a browser plug-in when viewed through a web browser. In oneexample, this could be achieved by adding metadata to each content itemthat is readable by the application provided by the online contentmanagement system or the metadata could point to a location with chatdata that is retrievable by the online content management system.Alternatively, the chat session may also be displayed though the nativeapplication associated with the content item.

Referring to FIG. 13A, a flowchart for a method for enabling users tohave a chat session relating to a submission in accordance with anexemplary embodiment is illustrated. Exemplary method 1300 is providedby way of example, as there are a variety of ways to carry out themethod. Method 1300 described below can be carried out using theconfigurations illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2A by way of example, andvarious elements of these figures are referenced in explaining exemplarymethod 1300. Each block shown in FIG. 13A represents one or moreprocesses, methods or subroutines, carried out in exemplary method 1200.Exemplary method 1300 can begin at block 1302.

At block 1302, render a file listing UI. For example, UI module 122causes the rendering of a file listing UI displaying a list of filesthat a user has saved to content management system 106. For example, UImodule 122 renders file listing UI 1250 on the submitter's client device102 i listing three files that submitter Jane Doe has stored in contentmanagement system 106 as shown in FIG. 12B. As shown, Jane Doe has threefiles: Homework Assignment #1—Jane Doe 1252, Homework Assignment #2—JaneDoe 1254 and Homework Assignment #3—Jane Doe 1256. The collector canhave a similar listing of files for files that were submitted to acollection folder. After rendering the file listing UI, method 1300 canproceed to block 1304.

At block 1304, receive a file selection. For example, UI module 122receives a file selection made by the user. In this example, thesubmitter selected the Homework Assignment #3—Jane Doe file. Afterreceiving the file selection, method 1300 can proceed to block 1306.

At block 1306, render the selected file in a viewing UI. For example, UImodule 122 causes the rendering of a viewing UI displaying the selectedfile on the submitter's client device 102 i. The selected file, HomeworkAssignment #3—Jane Doe, is rendered in viewing UI 1260 as shown in FIG.13B. After rendering the selected file, method 1300 can proceed to block1308.

At block 1308, receive a selection of a chat icon. For example, UImodule 122 and/or comment module 142 receives the selection of displayedchat icon 1352 shown in FIG. 13B. After receiving the chat iconselection, method 1300 can proceed to block 1310.

At block 1310, expand a chat section and render a list of contactsassociated with the user. For example, UI module 112 and/or commentmodule 143 can expand chat section 1354 and cause a list of contactsassociated with the user to be rendered along with each user's onlinestatus with content management system 106 or the chat feature ifseparate from content management system 106. For example, list ofassociated contacts 1358 along with online status 1360 is rendered onthe submitter's client device 102 i in status box 1360 as shown in FIG.13C. Contacts that are online can have a green online status 1360 andcontacts that are offline can have a red online status. Other statusidentifiers can be used in place of the green and red online statuses1360. After rendering the list of contacts, method 1300 can proceed toblock 1314.

At block 1312, receive a selection of a contact. For example, UI module112 and/or comment module 143 can receive a selection of a contactrendered on the submitter's client device 102 i. After receiving aselection of a contact, method 1300 can proceed to block 1314.

At block 1314, render a message box. For example, UI module 112 and/orcomment module 142 can cause message box 1356 to be rendered on thesubmitter's client device 102 i as shown in FIG. 13D. As shown,information associated with the content item can be rendered 1270 by UImodule 112 and/or comment module 142. For example, the title of thesubmitted file is rendered: Homework Assignment #3 and information aboutwhen the file was shared is displayed: Sent 2 days ago by John Doe.After rendering a message box, method 1300 can proceed to block 1316.

At block 1316, receive a chat message. For example, UI module 112 and/orcomment module 142 receives a chat message that the user enters inmessage box 1356 rendered on the submitter's client device 102 i. Forexample, the submitter, Jane, enters a chat message, “Can we setup ameeting to discuss the homework assignment.” After receiving the chatmessage, method 1300 can proceed to block 1318.

At block 1318, render the chat message in the comment section. Forexample, UI module 112 and/or comment module 142 can cause the chatmessage to be rendered in chat section 1354 on the viewing UI as shownin FIG. 13E. As shown, the chat message, “Can we setup a meeting todiscuss the homework assignment.” is rendered on the submitter's clientdevice 102 i. The user can enter another chat message by entering acomment in chat box 1356. After rendering the chat message, method 1300can proceed to block 1320.

At block 1320, synchronize the chat message with the other user. Forexample, synchronization module 134 can synchronize the chat message bythe first user, e.g., the submitter, with the user account of the seconduser, e.g., the collector. After synchronizing the chat message, method1300 can proceed to block 1322.

At block 1322, render the chat message on the other user's clientdevice. For example, UI module 112 and/or comment module 142 can causethe chat message to be rendered on the other user's client device 102 i,e.g., the collector's client device 102 i. The other user can respond tothe chat message and have the new chat message posted to both users'client devices 102 i as shown in FIG. 13F. As shown, the collectorresponded with “Sure. What time?” After rendering the chat message,method 1300 can proceed to block 1324.

At block 1324, receive an exit command. For example, UI module 112and/or comment module 142 can receive an exit command in response to oneof the users in the chat session selecting exit button 1358 rendered inthe viewing UI 1260 as shown in FIG. 13F. After receiving an exitcommand, method 1300 can proceed to block 1326.

At block 1326, prompt the user to save the chat session. For example, inresponse to a user selecting exit button 1358, UI module 112 and/orcomment module 142 can prompt a user to select save button 1360, emailbutton 1362 or end button 1364 in a save UI 1366. FIG. 13G shows save UI1366 that is rendered over viewing UI 1260, save UI 1366 prompting theuser to save the chat session, method 1300 can proceed to block 1328.

At block 1328, receive a response to the save prompt. For example, UImodule 112 and/or comment module 142 receives the response to the saveprompts. If the user selected save button 1360 and the chat session isassociated with a submission, method 1300 can proceed to block 1334. Ifthe user selected save button 1360 and the chat session is notassociated with a submission, method 1300 can proceed to block 1330. Ifthe user selected email button 1362, method 1300 can proceed to block1336. If the user selected end button 1364, method 1300 can proceed toblock 1338.

At block 1330, render a file listing. For example, UI module 112 and/orcomment module 142 renders a file listing to a collection folderhomepage on the user's client device 102 i. FIG. 4B shows an exemplaryfile listing. After rendering the file listing, method 1300 can proceedto block 1332.

At block 1332, receive a selection of a submission. For example, UImodule 112 and/or comment module 142 receives a submission selection toassociate with the chat session. After receiving a selection of asubmission, method 1300 can proceed to block 1334.

At block 1334, associate the chat session with the selected submissionand save the chat session. For example, UI module 112 and/or commentmodule 142 associates the chat session with the selected submission andsaves the chat session. After saving the chat session, method 1300 canproceed to block 1338.

At block 1336, email the chat session to the user. For example, emailmodule 140 emails the chat session to the user. After emailing the chatsession to the user, method 1300 can proceed to block 1338.

At block 1338, collapse the chat session. For example, UI module 112and/or comment module 142 causes the chat section 1354 to collapse asshown in FIG. 13B.

Although the above example is directed at the submitter, however one ofordinary skill in the art would recognize that the example can bedirected to the collector initiating the chat session. In one or moreembodiments, the chat feature does not need to be tied to a submission.For example, a submitter, prior to submitting a file, can select chaticon 1352 as shown in FIG. 9A and can proceed to block 1308 of FIG. 13A.

Facial and/or Object Recognition

In one or more embodiments, recognition module 146 can be used toassociate metadata tags with an identified person and/or an identifiedobject. To identify faces and/or objects a user can use an imageinterface to train recognition module 146 to recognize and identifyfaces and/or objects in a digital image and/or video. Recognition module146 can include proprietary or known facial recognition software and/orobject recognition software. For example, for facial recognitionsoftware, iPhoto by Apple, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif., Photoshop Elementsby Adobe Systems of Mountain View, Calif., Picassa by Google of MountainView, Calif. or any other facial recognition software can be used. Forexample, for object recognition software, Object Recognition Software byDynamic Ventures, Inc. d/b/a Computer Vision Software of Cupertino,Calif., GoogLeNet by Google of Mountain View, Calif., or any otherobject recognition software can be used. In one or more embodiments,recognition module 146 can use service provider 109 i, which can beoffered by one or more of the vendors recited above. In suchembodiments, an API can be used to perform the recognition methoddescribed below.

Using uploaded files stored in the collection folder or elsewhere, acollector can train the facial recognition software and/or objectrecognition software by viewing and tagging faces and/or objects inphotographs or videos. The tags can be saved as metadata, e.g., metadatatags. The metadata and metadata tags can be saved as a token. Forexample, a collector can tag people in one or more photographs and thenrun photographs against the facial recognition software to tag people indifferent photographs. Similarly, the collector can do the same for theobject recognition software. The object recognition software can taganimals, such as a family pet, and/or objects such as the Eiffel Toweror Statute of Liberty. In one or more embodiments, recognition module146 can provide different tokens: event specific tokens and globaltokens. An event specific token can include the metadata as well asmetadata filter parameters. The global token can include the metadatawithout the metadata filter parameters. The metadata filter parameterscan include filters for identifying photographs based a variety ofdifferent parameters, such as date, time, location and/or season. Forexample, if a collector uploads photographs from an event to a collectorfolder and trains recognition module 146 to recognize the faces, thecollector can also add a filter for date(s) and/or location(s) for theevent based on metadata associated with the photographs. Once trained,the collector can save the event token. Then the collector can send afile request to others with the trained event token to collectadditional photographs from people who have attended the same event. Forexample, the event can be a wedding, party, game, etc.

In one or more embodiments, once recognition module 146 is run againstthe contents in a collection folder, recognition module 146 can cause anemail message to be sent to the collector informing the collector of howmany photographs the collector was identified in. An exemplary emailmessage can be, “You're in 3 photos received in your photo request.”

Referring to FIG. 14A, a flowchart for a method for using facial and/orobject recognition on a collection folder in accordance with anexemplary embodiment is illustrated. Exemplary method 1400 is providedby way of example, as there are a variety of ways to carry out themethod. Method 1400 described below can be carried out using theconfigurations illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2A by way of example, andvarious elements of these figures are referenced in explaining exemplarymethod 1400. Each block shown in FIG. 14A represents one or moreprocesses, methods or subroutines, carried out in exemplary method 1400.Exemplary method 1400 can begin at block 1402.

At block 1402, create a file request. For example, the collector canexecute blocks 302-306 in method 300 shown in FIG. 3. For example, inresponse to the prompts at block 306, the collector can name the filerequest “Family Wedding” with the requested files being stored at“/Requests/Family Wedding” as shown in FIG. 14B. The collector canselect the rendered create new file request option 710. After selectingthe file request menu option, method 1400 can proceed to block 1404.

At block 1404, render the submitter invite UI. For example, collectionmodule 130 can render submitter invite UI 800 including generatedcollection link 802 as shown in FIG. 8A on the collector's client device102 i. After rendering submitter invite UI 800, method 1400 can proceedto block 1406.

At block 1406, receive a selection of the done button. For example,collection module 130 receives a selection of done button 806 as shownin FIG. 8A without the collector entering any email addresses. Afterreceiving the selection of the done button, method 1400 can proceed toblock 1408.

At block 1408, render a UI displaying a list of files. For example, UImodule 122 renders a UI on the collector's client device 102 idisplaying a list of files for the collector to select a file. FIG. 7Cshows a UI 750 displaying files that the collector can choose. Afterrendering the UI displaying a list of files, method 1400 can proceed toblock 1410.

At block 1410, train the recognition software. For example, therecognition module 146 can run the recognition software to recognizefaces and/or objects in one or more photos to train the recognitionsoftware. The recognition software can apply any filters associated withthe token. The recognition software can recognize faces and/or objects1464, 1466. FIG. 14K, discussed below, provides a flowchart for trainingthe recognition software in more detail. After training the recognitionsoftware, method 1400 can proceed to block 1412.

At block 1412, execute blocks 310-316 of FIG. 3. At block 310, rendersubmitter invite UI 800. For example, collection module 130 can rendersubmitter invite UI 800 rendering generated collection link 802 as shownin FIG. 8A on the collector's client device 102 i. Alternatively, thecollector can send an email message to one or more submitters. The emailmessage can contain the generated link that the collector can copy andpaste or type into the email message and can attach a token. Afterrendering submitter invite UI 800, method 300 can proceed to block 312.At block 312, the collector can enter a message. For example, thecollector can enter a message, such as, “Please use the token to findphotos from our wedding!” After entering a message, method 300 canproceed to block 314. At block 314, store the entered email addressesand message, if entered. After storing the entered email addresses andmessage, if entered, method 300 can proceed to block 316. At block 316,the generated link is distributed. After executing blocks 310-316 ofFIG. 3, method 1400 can proceed to block 1414.

At block 1414, render a file upload UI prompting the submitter for filerequest information in response to a submitter activating the generatedcollection link. For example, UI module 122 causes a file upload UI tobe rendered on the submitter's client device 102 i. FIG. 14C showsrendered file upload UI 900. As shown, the file request came from GordonShields. File upload UI 900 can render the message from the collector:“Please use the token to find photos from our wedding!” As shown,rendered file upload UI 900 includes a run a token button 924. Afterrendering the file upload page, method 1400 can proceed to block 1416.

At block 1416, receive a selection of the run a token button. Forexample, recognition module 146 receives a selection of run a tokenbutton 924. After receiving a selection of run a token button 924,method 1400 can proceed to block 1418.

At block 1418, render a folder listing UI displaying a list of folders.For example, UI module 122 can render a folder listing of thesubmitter's files as shown in FIG. 14D on which the submitter can chooseto run the recognition software. After rendering the file listing UIdisplaying a list of files, method 1400 can proceed to block 1420.

At block 1420, receive a folder selection. For example, UI module 122receives a selection of a rendered folder to run the recognitionsoftware using the token from the collector. After receiving theselection, method 1400 can proceed to block 1422.

At block 1422, run the recognition software using the token from thecollector. For example, recognition module 146 can run the recognitionfeature using the token to recognize faces and/or objects in one or morephotos or videos. In one or more embodiments, the submitter can trainthe recognition software. Recognition module 146 can store the enterednames as metadata tags and associate the metadata tags with thecorresponding photo/file. Recognition module 146 can store the enterednames as metadata tags and associate the metadata tags with the token.The submitter can run the token against one or more folders. When thesubmitter is done running the recognition software, method 1400 canproceed to block 1424.

At block 1424, render a file upload UI prompting the submitter forinformation in response to a submitter activating the generatedcollection link. For example, UI module 122 causes a file upload UI tobe rendered on the submitter's client device 102 i. FIG. 14C shows arendered file upload UI 900. As shown, the file request came from BobSmith. The submitter can enter information in response to the prompts.The submitter can select one or more folders and/or files to upload.After rendering the file upload UI, method 1400 can proceed to block1426.

At block 1426, receive file request information and the selection of oneor more uploaded files. For example, UI module 122 receives file requestinformation provided by the submitter in response to the prompts and theselection of one or more files to be uploaded. To select the one or morefiles to be uploaded, the submitter can select the choose files optionand a directory of the submitter's client device can be renderedallowing the submitter to select one or more files for uploading. Afterreceiving the information and the one or more uploaded files arereceived, method 1400 can proceed to block 1428.

At block 1428, upload the file request information and one or moreselected files. After providing the information and selecting one ormore files to upload, the submitter can select upload button 922 shownin FIG. 14C to upload the information and one or more files to contentmanagement system 106. For example, the client software on thesubmitter's client device 102 i can cause the information and one ormore selected files to be uploaded to content management system 106.After uploading the information and one or more files, method 1400 canproceed to block 1430.

At block 1430, store the one or more uploaded files. For example,content item management module 128 stores the one or more uploaded filesin content storage 160. The one or more uploaded files can be stored inthe collection folder and/or be associated with the collection folder. Acontent directory can identify the location of each content item incontent storage 160. The content directory can include a unique contententry for each content item stored in the content storage. The contententry can include a content pointer that identifies the location of thecontent item in content storage 160. After storing the one or moreuploaded files, method 1400 can proceed to block 1432.

At block 1432, review the metadata tags associated with the uploadedfiles. For example, the recognition software can review the metadatatags associated with the uploaded files to locate one or more objectsthat the token was trained for, such as the collector's name. Afterreviewing the metadata tags, method 1400 can proceed to block 1424.

At block 1434, notify the collector of the upload. Notification caninclude, but is not limited to, email, text message, posting to theaccount, application notifications (e.g., in-band notifications) or anyother means of notification. For example, email module 140 notifies thecollector of the upload. Email module 140 can send an email to thecollector informing the collector that a submitter uploaded file. Forexample, the email message can recite, “Peter Smith uploaded 35 photos.”If the metadata tags indicate that one or more objects were tagged, theemail message can provide a notification of the metadata tags. Forexample, the email message can recite, “Peter Smith uploaded 35 photosin which you were tagged in 20 photos.” In another example, the emailmessage can recite, “Peter Smith uploaded 35 photos in which Fido wastagged in 20 photos.”

Referring to FIG. 14E, a flowchart for a method for training therecognition software in accordance with an exemplary embodiment isillustrated. Exemplary method 1440 is provided by way of example, asthere are a variety of ways to carry out the method. Method 1440described below can be carried out using the configurations illustratedin FIGS. 1 and 2A by way of example, and various elements of thesefigures are referenced in explaining exemplary method 1440. Each blockshown in FIG. 14E represents one or more processes, methods orsubroutines, carried out in exemplary method 1440. Exemplary method 1440can begin at block 1442.

At block 1442, upload photos into the collection folder. For example,the collector can upload photos from a camera, client device 102 i,and/or the collector's user account as known in the art. After uploadingphotos into the collection folder, method 1480 can proceed to block1444.

At block 1444, select an uploaded photo to view. For example, thecollector can select an uploaded photo from a list of photographs storedin the Family Wedding collection folder and rendered on the collector'sclient device 102 i. After selecting an uploaded photo to view, method1440 can proceed to block 1446.

At block 1446, render the selected photo in a viewing UI. For example,UI module 122 causes the rendering of selected photo 1458 in viewing UI1260 on the collector's client device 102 i as shown in FIG. 14F.Viewing UI 1260 can also display comment icon 1264, chat icon 1352 andfacial recognition and/or object recognition icon 1456. Facialrecognition and/or object recognition icon 1456 can be referred to asrecognition icon 1456. After rendering the selected photo and receivinga selection of recognition icon 1456, method 1440 can proceed to block1448.

At block 1448, render a first set of recognition menu options andreceive a selection of a menu option, the first set of recognition menuoptions is rendered in response to the selection of the recognitionicon. For example, recognition module 146 can cause the rendering of afirst set of recognition menu options 1466 as shown in FIG. 14G. Asshown, the first set of recognition menu options can include event tokenbutton 1460, global token button 1462 and both 1464. After rendering therecognition menu options and receiving a selection, method 1440 canproceed to block 1450.

At block 1450, run recognition software on one or more photos. Forexample, recognition module 146 can run the recognition software torecognize faces and/or objects in one or more photos to train therecognition software. The recognition software can apply any filtersassociated with the token. The recognition software can recognize facesand/or objects 1466, 1468. The recognition software can prompt thecollector to identify one or more recognized faces and/or objects 1470,1472 by typing names for the recognized faces and/or objects as shown inFIG. 14H. As shown, the collector entered Gordon 1470 and Sue 1472.Recognition module 146 can store the entered names as metadata tags andassociate the metadata tags with the corresponding photo/file.Recognition module 146 can store the entered names as metadata tags andassociate the metadata tags with the selected token: event token, globaltoken or both. After tagging a photo, the collector can go through morephotos and tag the recognized faces and/or objects. For example, thecollector can use navigation buttons 1474, 1476 to move to anotherphoto. Recognition module 146 can save the event token 1460 in thecorresponding collection folder. Recognition module 146 can save theevent token 1460 and/or the global token 1462 in a photo folder or in atoken folder. The event token can be saved and automatically named underthe event, e.g., Family Wedding Token. The global token can be saved andautomatically named, e.g., Global Token. When the user is done runningthe recognition software, method 1440 can proceed to block 1452.

At block 1452, render a second set of recognition menu options andreceive a selection of a menu option. For example, recognition module146 can cause the rendering of a second set of recognition menu options1484 on the collector's client device 102 i as shown in FIG. 14I. Thesecond set of recognition menu options 1486 can include send event tokenbutton 1482 and/or send a global token button 1484. If event tokenbutton 1460 was selected earlier, then only send event token button 1482is rendered. If global token button 1462 was selected earlier, then onlysend global token button 1484 is rendered. If both button 1464 wasselected earlier, then send event token button 1482 and send globalbutton 1484 are rendered. After rendering the second set of recognitionmenu options and receiving a selection of a button, method 1440 canproceed to block 1454.

At block 1454, render a third set of recognition menu options andreceive a selection of a menu option. For example, recognition module146 can cause the rendering of a third set of recognition menu options1494 on the collector's client device 102 i as shown in FIG. 14J inresponse to one of send event token button 1482 and send global tokenbutton 1484 being selected. The third set of recognition menu options1484 can include add date filter button 1488, add a location filterbutton 1490 and continue button 1492. If add a date filter button 1488is selected, the collector can enter a date or a range of dates to thetoken. If add a location filter button 1490 is selected, the collectorcan add a location or a location with a distance threshold to the token.The collector can select both of add a date filter button 1488 and add alocation filter button 1490. In response to the collector selectingcontinue button 1492, method 1440 can proceed to block 1412 of FIG. 14A.

Email

In one or more embodiments, when a user is typing an email message, anemail module 144 can monitor the text of the email message for one ormore triggering words and suggest the use of a file request. Forexample, if the text recites, “Can you send me that file,” email module144 can prompt the user if the user would like to have a file requestgenerated. If you the user agrees to the use of a file request, emailmodule 144 can cause a file request to be created and can embed thegenerated link into the email message. The generated link can behypertext. Email module 144 can replace or supplement the text with thehypertext. For example, the text can become, “can you send me that fileusing my collection folder.” The “my collection folder” can be hypertextand when the submitter clicks on the hypertext, an upload page can berendered on the submitter's client device. The triggering language canbe set by content management system 106 and/or can be user driven. Foruser driven triggering language, a user can set one or more words orphrases to trigger the prompt for generating a file request.

Referring to FIG. 15A, a flowchart for a method for creating a filerequest trigger in accordance with an exemplary embodiment isillustrated. Exemplary method 1500 is provided by way of example, asthere are a variety of ways to carry out the method. Method 1500described below can be carried out using the configurations illustratedin FIGS. 1 and 2A by way of example, and various elements of thesefigures are referenced in explaining exemplary method 1500. Each blockshown in FIG. 15A represents one or more processes, methods orsubroutines, carried out in exemplary method 1500. Exemplary method 1500can begin at block 1502.

At block 1502, receive a menu icon selection. For example, UI module 122can receive a selection of a menu icon by the user, e.g., a collector,selecting menu icon 1520 rendered on the user's client device 102 i asshown in FIG. 15B. After receiving a menu icon selection, method 1500can proceed to block 1504.

At block 1504, render a menu. For example, UI module 122 renders menu1524 on the user's client device 102 i, as shown in FIG. 15B, a menulisting menu options. After rendering menu 1524, method 1500 can proceedto block 1506.

At block 1506, receive a selection of the email menu option. Forexample, UI module 122 and/or email module 140 receives a selection ofemail menu option 1524 or email expansion icon 1526. After receiving theselection of the email menu option, method 1500 can proceed to block1508.

At block 1508, render email menu options. For example, UI module 122and/or email module 140 renders email menu options 1530 on the user'sclient device 102 i as shown in FIG. 15C. As shown, there are two emailmenu options: email a file 1532 and triggers 1534. After rendering theemail menu options, method 1500 can proceed to block 1510.

At block 1510, receive a selection of the triggers menu option. Forexample, UI module 122 and/or email module 140 receives a selection oftriggers menu option 1534. After receiving a selection of triggers menuoption 1534, method 1500 can proceed to block 1512.

At block 1512, render the trigger menu options. For example, UI module122 and/or email module 140 renders trigger menu options 1540 on theuser's client device 102 i as shown in FIG. 15D. The trigger menuoptions can include user defined triggers and/or system defaulttriggers. For example, as shown, there is one user defined trigger:“send me a file” 1542 and a system default trigger: “email me a file”1544. The menu can include an add option 1546 along with an entry box1548. If the user had previously entered one or more triggers, thepreviously entered one or more triggers would be displayed as shown.After rendering the trigger menu options, method 1500 can proceed toblock 1514.

At block 1514, receive a user entered trigger. For example, UI module122 and/or email module 140 receives a user entered trigger, such as“attach a file to your email.” After receiving a user entered trigger,method 1500 can proceed to block 1516.

At block 1516, save the user entered trigger. For example, UI module 122and/or email module 140 saves the user entered trigger.

Referring to FIG. 15E, a flowchart for a method for creating a filerequest in response to detecting a trigger in accordance with anexemplary embodiment is illustrated. Exemplary method 1550 is providedby way of example, as there are a variety of ways to carry out themethod. Method 1550 described below can be carried out using theconfigurations illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2A by way of example, andvarious elements of these figures are referenced in explaining exemplarymethod 1550. Each block shown in FIG. 15E represents one or moreprocesses, methods or subroutines, carried out in exemplary method 1550.Exemplary method 1550 can begin at block 1552.

At block 1552, monitor and compare the text of an email message. Forexample, email module 140 monitors the text of an email message as theemail message is being typed and compares the text to one or more storedemail triggers. If the comparison results in a match, method 1550 canproceed to block 1554.

At block 1554, render an email triggered file request UI prompting theuser to create a file request. For example, collection module 130 and/oremail module 140 renders an email triggered file request UI promptingthe user to create a file request on the user's client device 102 i asshown in FIG. 15F. As shown, email triggered file request UI 1572prompts the user. The prompts include yes button 1574 to create a filerequest and no button 1576 not to create a file request while the useris typing email message 1570. After rendering the email triggered filerequest UI, method 1550 can proceed to block 1556.

At block 1556, receive a response. For example, collection module 130and/or email module 140 receives a response to the prompt. If theresponse is a selection of yes button 1574, method 1550 can proceed toblock 1558. If the response is the selection of no button 1576, method1560 can proceed to block 1552.

At block 1558, generate a file request link and insert it into the emailmessage. For example, collection module 130 and/or email module 140 caninsert the generated file request link into the email message or replacetext in the email message with a hypertext link. For example, if theuser typed “Can you send me that file?”, the text can be supplementedwith the generated file request link so the text recites, “Can you sendme the file at http://db.tt/xOFounw”. In another example, if the text isreplaced with a hyperlink, the text can recite, “Can you send me thefile?” with the “send me” being a hyperlink. After generating the filerequest link and inserting it into the email message, the method 1550can continue to block 1552.

In one or more embodiments, a collection email address can be created.The collection email address can be created in place of and/or inaddition to the file request link. For example, the email address can becreated when the link is generated by collection module 130. In one ormore embodiments, email module 140 can create the email address. Byusing an email, a submitter can upload one or more files to thecollection folder by replying to the email message and attaching the oneor more files.

Referring to FIG. 16A, a flowchart for a method for creating acollection email address in accordance with an exemplary embodiment isillustrated. Exemplary method 1600 is provided by way of example, asthere are a variety of ways to carry out the method. Method 1600described below can be carried out using the configurations illustratedin FIGS. 1 and 2A by way of example, and various elements of thesefigures are referenced in explaining exemplary method 1600. Each blockshown in FIG. 16A represents one or more processes, methods orsubroutines, carried out in exemplary method 1600. Exemplary method 1600can begin at block 1602.

At block 1602, distribute the generated link. For example, collectionmodule 130 and/or email module 140 sends an email message based on theat least some of the received information. This can be the same orsimilar to block 316 of FIG. 3 in which the received information wasreceived in block 314 of FIG. 3. The email message can contain thegenerated link, and the message, if entered, to the one or moresubmitters whose email addresses were entered by the collector. Theemail address from which the email address is sent from can be an emailaddress generated by collection module 130 and/or email module 140.After distributing the generated link, method 1600 can proceed to block1604.

At block 1604, render the email message. For example, an email programof content management system 106 or a third party email program canrender an email message on a submitter's client device 102 _(i) as knownin the art as shown in FIG. 16B. As shown, email message 1650 cancontain information associated with the file request, such as the emailaddress, e.g., FinalPapers@Dropbbox.com 1652, who the email is sent to,e.g., submitter, “Amy Brown” 1654, subject, “Final Papers” 1656, whocaused the email to be sent, e.g., “Gordon Shields” 1658, the title ofthe collection folder, e.g., “Final Papers” 1660, the generated link,e.g., “Please respond to the file request by clicking here or reply tothis email message” with “here” being hypertext link 1662 to thecollection folder, and a comment from the collector if entered, e.g.,“This is the last project for US History 101” 1664. If the collectorcustomized the file request, email message 1650 can include additionalinformation such as, “Number of Submissions: 1” 1666, “Type of Files:any” 1668, “Deadline: December 1, 2015” 1670 and “Override: yes” 1672.If the file request is a photo request, the email message can include atoken as an attachment. After rendering the email message, method 1600can proceed to block 1606.

At block 1606, receive a reply email option. For example, the emailprogram of content management system 106 or a third party email programreceives a selection of the reply option or reply email option as knownin the art. After receiving the reply option, method 1600 can proceed toblock 1608.

At block 1608, receive text and/or one or more file attachments. Forexample, the email program of content management system 106 or a thirdparty email program receives text from the submitter and/or one or morefile attachments as known in the art. After receiving text and/or one ormore file attachments, method 1600 can proceed to block 1610.

At block 1610, receive a send command. For example, the email program ofcontent management system 106 or a third party email program receives asend command as known in the art. After receiving the send command,method 1600 can proceed to block 1612.

At block 1612, send the email message. For example, the email program ofcontent management system 106 or a third party email program sends theemail message to content management system 106. After sending the emailmessage, method 1600 can proceed to block 1614.

At block 1614, receive the email message from the submitter. Forexample, email module 140 receives the email message and one or moreattached files from the submitter. After receiving the email message,method 1600 can proceed to block 1616.

At block 1616, store the one or more attached files. For example,collection module 130 and/or email module 140 stores the one or moreattached files in content storage 160. The one or more files can bestored in the collection folder and/or be associated with the collectionfolder based on the email address that the email message was sent to.Collection module 130 and/or email module 140 can store the email as aseparate file in the collection folder and/or be associated with thecollection folder. A content directory can identify the location of eachcontent item in content storage 160. The content directory can include aunique content entry for each content item stored in content storage160. The content entry can include a content pointer that identifies thelocation of the content item in content storage 160. After storing theone or more uploaded files, method 1600 can proceed to block 1618.

At block 1618, notify the collector in response to one or more filesbeing stored in the collection folder. Notification can include, but isnot limited to, email, text message, posting to the account, applicationnotifications (e.g., in-band notifications) or any other means ofnotification. For example, account management module 124 and/or emailmodule 140 causes an email message to be sent to the collector inresponse to one or more files being stored in the collection folder. Thenotification can notify the collector that one or more files have beenuploaded to the collection folder. The email message can provideinformation associated with the uploaded one or more files. For example,the information can include the file name, a timestamp for when the filewas uploaded and the name of the submitter for each uploaded file.

Publishing

After receiving some or all of the content items in a collection folder,the collector can publish the contents of the collection folder. Bypublishing the collection folder, the collector is able to sharesubmissions with the one or more submitters and/or others. Thepublishing of the collection folder can be private or public. A privatepublication can limit access to the private collection folder to onlythe submitters. A public publication can allow anyone to access thepublished collection folder. In one or more embodiments, the collectorcan publish the contents via a public discoverable URL, such as a vanityURL (e.g., www.dropbox.com/filerequest/gideon), or via a wiki, such as acompany wiki. In one or more embodiments, the published collector foldercan be published as an electronic dataroom.

Referring to FIG. 17A, a flowchart for a method for publishing thecontents of a collection folder in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment is illustrated. Exemplary method 1700 is provided by way ofexample, as there are a variety of ways to carry out the method. Method1700 described below can be carried out using the configurationsillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2A by way of example, and various elements ofthese figures are referenced in explaining exemplary method 1700. Eachblock shown in FIG. 17A represents one or more processes, methods orsubroutines, carried out in exemplary method 1700. Exemplary method 1700can begin at block 1702.

At block 1702, access the collection folder by the collector. Forexample, the collector, e.g., Gordon Shields, accesses a collectionfolder by selecting a collection folder displayed in a homepage UI 410rendered on the collector's client device 102 i as shown in FIG. 4B. Forexample, the collector can select a collection folder, e.g., HomeworkAssignment #1 folder. After accessing the collection folder, method 1700can proceed to block 1704.

At 1704, receive a format menu option and format the content. Forexample, UI module 122 and/or content item management module 128receives a selection of formatting icon 1752, 1754 to format thecontents of collection folder 1750 as shown in FIG. 17B. By selectingordering formatting icon 1752, the contents of the collection folder canbe organized by submitters, modification date, alphabetically, etc., asknown in the art. By selecting template layout icon 1754, the collectorcan organize the contents based on a template layout. For example, UImodule 122 and/or content item management module 128 collector can causea rendering of layout menu 1270 on the collector's client device 102 iallowing the collector select a template layout from one of thedisplayed template layouts shown in FIG. 17C. As shown, in this example,the collector can choose between list template layout 1272 and spreadtemplate layout 1274 displayed in option menu 1270. The template layoutscan be based on the file types of the files in the collection folder.For example, for image files, the collector can choose from differentalbum template layouts. After formatting the contents, method 1700 canproceed to block 1706.

At block 1706, receive a publish menu option. For example, UI module 122and/or content item management module 128 receives a selection ofpublishing icon 1756 and causes the rendering of publishing menu 1280 onthe collector's client device 102 i allowing the collector to select apublishing option from the publishing options shown in FIG. 17D. Thepublish to submitters only menu option 1282 allows all of the submittersaccess to all of the submitted files in the collection folder. Thepublish to website menu option 1284 allows the collector to enter awebsite to which to publish the collection folder. The publish to wikimenu option 1286 allows the collector to enter a wiki to which topublish the collection folder. The publish to dataroom menu option 1288allows the collector to publish the collection folder and only allowusers who have access rights and/or a password to access the collectionfolder. After receiving a publishing menu option, method 1700 canproceed to block 1708.

At block 1708, publish the collection folder in accordance with theselected menu option. For example, UI module 122 and/or content itemmanagement module 128 changes the access rights to the folder inaccordance with the selected publishing menu option. After publishingthe collection folder, method 1700 can proceed to block 1710.

At block 1710, send an email message to the submitters. For example, UImodule 122 and/or email module 140 sends an email message to thesubmitters notifying them of the publication of the collection folder.

Public File Request

In one or more embodiments, a collector can make a file request a publicfile request. In one or more embodiments, the file request link can bediscoverable via a publically discoverable share link, such as a vanitylink, e.g., www/dropbox.com/filerequest/public/gideon. In one or moreembodiments, a file request link can be made publically discoverable bychanging the destination of the file request. For example, by selectingchange destination box 706 in FIG. 7A, the collector can make thedestination address public by changing the destination address from“/Requests/Final papers” to “/Requests/public/Final papers”.

In one or more embodiments, the social media network can include a filerequest widget on a user interface to facilitate the submission of oneor more files to a collection folder. The file request widget may beused to facilitate the submission of one or more particular files thatare associated with the widget directly to a collection folder incontent management system 106, such as a synchronized ornon-synchronized cloud-based content management system. As a result, thecollector is able to use the widget to have a file request linkgenerated and inserted into a user interface of a website, such as asocial networking website. For example, by clicking on a file requestwidget icon, the social network can communicate with content managementsystem 106 to obtain a file request link, which can be inserted into theuser interface, such as a Facebook posting or a Twitter tweet. The filerequest link can be inserted as hypertext and provide access to acollection folder which is created for the user and associated with anaccount associated with the user who elected to create the collectionfolder. When a user/submitter selects the file request link orhypertext, the user/submitter is able to upload a file into theassociated collection folder with the submitters being unable to accessfiles uploaded by other submitters. For example, a company, such asDropbox, can a post a contest on their home page or post a message viasocial networking that recites, “Win one free month of storage onDropbox by submitting the funniest picture showing the Dropbox logo.Click here to submit your picture. Contest ends November 21, 2015.” The“here” can be a hypertext to a collection folder. In variousembodiments, the file request widget may include a user interfaceelement (e.g., a button, dialog box, or menu bar) that allows a user toselect and/or initiate the request for content download of one or morecontent items by using the file request widget. The file download widgetmay be implemented, for example, by pasting a small piece of HTML codeinto the HTML code of a particular website. The code may be provided by,content management system 106. More specifically, link management module208 can be used to create the collection folder and direct content itemsto be downloaded to the collection folder.

Referring to FIG. 18A, a flowchart for a method for managing collectionfolders in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is illustrated.Exemplary method 1000 is provided by way of example, as there are avariety of ways to carry out the method. Method 1800 described below canbe carried out using the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2A byway of example, and various elements of these figures are referenced inexplaining exemplary method 1800. Each block shown in FIG. 18Arepresents one or more processes, methods or subroutines, carried out inexemplary method 1800. Exemplary method 1800 can begin at block 1802.

At block 1802, render a file request icon on a third party website. Forexample, widget software from content management system 106

is provided to a third party website where the widget software displaysthe file request icon on the third party website. The third partywebsite is a website that is not operated by content management system106, such as a social networking website. FIG. 18B shows an exemplarythird party website 1850, e.g., Twitter®, with file request icon 1854displayed in text box 1852. After rendering the file request icon on athird party website, method 1800 can proceed to block 1804.

At block 1804, receive a request for generating a file request link fromthe third party website in response to the file request icon beingselected. For example, link generation module 205 receives a request forgenerating a file request link from the third party website. The requestcan be generated by a user of the third party website selectingdisplayed file request icon 1854. After receiving the request, method1800 can proceed to block 1806.

At block 1806, generate a file request link. For example, linkgeneration module 202 generates a file request link. After generating afile request link, method 1800 can proceed to block 1808.

At block 1808, provide the generated file request link to the thirdparty website. For example, link distribution module 206 provides thegenerated file request link to the third party website. After providingthe generated file request to the third party website, method 1800 canproceed to block 1810.

At block 1810, embed the generated file request link into the thirdparty website. For example, the widget software embeds the generatedfile request into the third party website. The generated file requestcan be displayed and/or displayed as hypertext, such as “Click here tosubmit a file” with “here” being the embedded generated file requestlink as hypertext. After embedding the generated file request link intothe third party website, method 1800 can proceed to block 318 in FIG. 3.

Managing Collection Folders

Referring to FIG. 19A, a flowchart for a method for managing collectionfolders in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is illustrated.Exemplary method 1900 is provided by way of example, as there are avariety of ways to carry out the method. Method 1900 described below canbe carried out using the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2A byway of example, and various elements of these figures are referenced inexplaining exemplary method 1900. Each block shown in FIG. 19Arepresents one or more processes, methods or subroutines, carried out inexemplary method 1900. Exemplary method 1900 can begin at block 1902.

At block 1902, render a collection folder homepage in response toreceiving a selection of the file request menu option. For example, UImodule 122 receives a selection of the file requests menu option shownin FIG. 4B and causes the collection folder homepage to be rendered onthe collector's client device 102 i. FIG. 19B shows an exemplarycollection folder homepage. As shown, the collection folder homepageshows the collection folders in the active requests and a button forcreating a new file request. In this example, the active collector hasone collection folder: the Final papers collection folder having a dateof Apr. 2, 2015 with “0” files submitted. After rendering the collectionfolder homepage, method 1900 can proceed to block 1904.

At block 1904, determine a received command. For example, UI module 122receives a command in response to the new file request, active requests,inactive requests, a collection folder or a side menu option beingselected. In response to the command being for a new file request, themethod can proceed to block 306 of method 300 where the collector cangenerate a new collection folder. FIG. 19C is an initial UI 700 of afirst submission page for generating a vacation photos collectionfolder. In FIG. 19C, the prompts are “What would like to name your fileRequest?” and “Where do you want your requested files to go?” Theexemplary answers are “vacation photos” and “/Requests/Vacation photos,”respectively. FIG. 19D is an initial UI 700 of a first submission pagewith the “create file request” button being selection. After creating anew collection folder, method 1900 returns to block 1902. FIG. 19E showsfile listing UI 1952 of the collection folder homepage after thevacation photos collection folder is created. The folders are “Vacationphotos” and “Final papers.” In response to the command being for theactive requests, method 1900 can proceed to block 1902 where thecollection folder homepage is again rendered on the collector's clientdevice 102 i. In response to the command being the selection of acollection folder, method 1900 can proceed to block 1906. FIG. 19F showsthe file listing UI 1952 of the Final papers collection folder beingselected. In response to the command being for the inactive requests,method 1900 can proceed to block 1910. In response to the inactive filebeing selected, a side menu is rendered and a menu option from the sidemenu being selected, method 1900 proceeds to execute the selected menuoption.

At block 1906, an edit file request page is rendered. For example, UImodule 122 causes the edit file request page to be rendered on thecollector's client device 102 i. As shown in FIG. 19G, the edit filerequest page allows the collector to change the name of the collectionfolder, change the location for the collection folder and to deactivatethe collection folder. If the name of the file request is changed or thelocation where the files go changes, the collector can select the savebutton and the changes are saved and method 1900 can proceed to block1902. If the collector selects the cancel button, the command iscanceled and method 1900 can proceed to block 1902. If the collectorselects the deactivate request button, the method 1900 can proceed toblock 1908.

At block 1908, the selected folder is deactivated. For example, fileaccess module 204 deactivates the selected folder. A deactivatedcollection folder prohibits a submitter from uploading files to thedeactivated collection folder. After deactivating the folder, method1900 can proceed to block 1902. FIG. 19H shows a collection folderhomepage UI after the Final papers collection folder is deactivated withonly the Vacation photos collection folder being in the active requestcollection folder.

At block 1910, render the inactive requests home page. For example, UImodule 122 causes the rendering of the inactive requests home page onthe collector's client device 102 i. FIG. 19I shows an inactive requestshome page UI with the Final papers collection folder being displayed.After rendering the inactive requests home page, method 1900 can proceedto block 1912.

At block 1912, determine the received command. For example, the UImodule 122 receives a command in response to the active requests,inactive requests, a collection folder or a side menu option beingselected. In response to the command being for the active requests,method 1900 can proceed to block 1902 where the collection folder homepage is rendered. In response to the command being the selection of acollection folder, method 1900 can proceed to block 1914. In response tothe command being for the inactive requests, method 1900 can proceed toblock 1910. In response to a menu option from the side menu is selected,method 1900 proceeds to execute the selected menu option.

At block 1914, render an edit file request page. For example, UI module122 causes the edit file request page to be rendered on the collector'sclient device 102 i. As shown in FIG. 19J, the edit file request pageallows the collector to change the name of the collection folder, changethe location for the collection folder and to activate the collectionfolder. If the name of the file request is changed or the location wherethe files go changes, the collector can select the save button and thechanges are saved and method 1900 can proceed to block 1902. If thecollector selects the cancel button, the command is canceled and method1900 can proceed to block 1902. If the collector selects reactivaterequest button, method 1900 can proceed to block 1916.

At block 1916, activate the selected folder. For example, file accessmodule 204 reactivates the selected folder. A reactivated collectionfolder allows a submitter to upload files to the activated collectionfolder. After reactivating the folder, method 1900 can proceed to block1002. FIG. 19E shows a collection folder homepage UI after the Finalpapers collection folder is reactivated.

Administrative Controls and Dashboards

In one or more embodiments, administrative controls can be employed. Fora company using the content management system on an enterprise level,e.g., Dropbox Business, the company can have administrative controls.The administrative controls can include, but are not limited to,reviewing an activity log, view collection folders, be notified when asubmission is made to a collection folder, be notified when a collectionfolder is published, control who creates collection folders/filerequests, control who can review collection folders and control whethersubmitters need to be members of the enterprise. An administrator canaccess an activity log, which can record the number of file requests,the number of collection folders, who created the file requests, who hassubmitted a content item to a collection folder and create reports.Referring to FIG. 20B, a UI rendering an activity log in accordance withan exemplary embodiment is illustrated. The administrator can reviewcollection folders. For example, an administrator can select a renderedcollection folder displayed in the activity log to view the contents ofa collection folder. The administrator can receive a notification, suchas an email message, in response to a submitter submitting a contentitem to a collection folder. The administrator can view a list of peoplewho have access to the enterprise and control each users rights, e.g.,the ability to create a file request/collection folder, the ability tocontrol who can receive a file request, who can customize a file requestand/or any other privilege that the users in the enterprise can do withrespect to the collection folders. The administrator can control whethera submitter has to be a member of the enterprise to submit a contentitem.

Referring to FIG. 20A, a flowchart for a method for generating anactivity log in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is illustrated.Exemplary method 2000 is provided by way of example, as there are avariety of ways to carry out the method. Method 2000 described below canbe carried out using the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2A byway of example, and various elements of these figures are referenced inexplaining exemplary method 2000. Each block shown in FIG. 20Arepresents one or more processes, methods or subroutines, carried out inexemplary method 2000. Exemplary method 2000 can begin at block 2002.

At block 2002, monitor the activity in the content management system foractivity. For example, analytics module 134 monitors activity associatedwith an enterprise account within the content management system 106 f.In response to detecting an activity, the method 2000 can proceed toblock 2004.

At block 2004, determine the activity. For example, analytics module 134determines the activity associated with the enterprise account. Forexample, the activity can be accessing a folder, generating a collectionfolder, reactivating an inactive file request, deactivating an activefile request, receiving a submission to a collection folder, receivingan overwrite in a collection folder, reaching a deadline in a collectionfolder, publishing a collection folder, detecting an improper submission(e.g., a user is not authenticated), receiving a submission withmalicious code, detecting plagiarism, etc. After determining theactivity method 2000 can proceed to block 2006.

At block 2006, record the activity and associated information in anactivity log. For example, analytics module 134 records the activity andassociated information in an activity log. The associated informationcan include the activity, a timestamp for the activity, a userassociated with the activity, user's role, etc. After recording theactivity, method 2000 can proceed to block 2008.

At block 2008, receive a request to view the activity log. For example,analytics module 134 receives a request to view the activity log. Afterreceiving the request, method 2000 can proceed to block 2010.

At block 2010, authenticate the user associated with the request to viewthe activity log. For example, authenticator module 126 authenticatesthe user associated with the request. The authentication can require theuser to log into the requester's user account or can be based on acookie stored on the requester's client device 102 i. If the user isauthenticated, method 2000 can proceed to block 2012. If the user is notauthenticated, method 2000 can proceed to block 2020.

At block 2012, prompt the user for a range. For example, the analyticsmodule 134 prompts the user to enter a range, which can be for a timeperiod or a set number of entries. This can be done via a rendered menu.After rendering the prompt, method 2000 can proceed to block 2014.

At block 2014, receive a range in response to the prompt. For example,analytics module 134 receives a time frame or a set number of entries inresponse to the prompt. After receiving the range, method 2000 canproceed to block 2016.

At block 2016, obtain the activity log based on the entered range. Forexample, analytics module 134 obtains the activity log entries based ona set number of entries. After obtaining the activity log for theentered range, method 2000 can proceed to block 2018.

At block 2018, render the obtained activity log for the entered range inan activity log UI. For example, UI module 122 renders the obtainedactivity log on the requester's client device 102 i in activity log UI2050 as shown in FIG. 20B. As shown, the activity log UI 2050 shows thelast ten entries along with the associated information. The associatedinformation includes location, the user associated with the activity,the activity and a timestamp.

At block 2020, render a message to the user that they do not have properaccess. For example, UI module 122 can cause the rendering of a messageUI informing the user that the user did not enter proper credentials.

In one or more embodiments, a collector can determine the status of acollection folder by accessing a status file associated with thecollection folder. Referring to FIG. 21A, a flowchart for a method forgenerating an activity log in accordance with an exemplary embodiment isillustrated. Exemplary method 2100 is provided by way of example, asthere are a variety of ways to carry out the method. Method 2100described below can be carried out using the configurations illustratedin FIGS. 1 and 2A by way of example, and various elements of thesefigures are referenced in explaining exemplary method 2100. Each blockshown in FIG. 21A represents one or more processes, methods orsubroutines, carried out in exemplary method 2100. Exemplary method 2100can begin at block 2102.

At block 2102, generate a status file in response to a file request linkbeing generated. For example, analytics module 134 generates a statusfile in response to a file request link being generated at block 308 ofFIG. 3. The status file can include a list of submitters associated withthe file request and a timestamp for when the file request link wasgenerated. The status file can be stored in the collection folder or canbe associated with the collection folder. After generating the statusfile, method 2100 can proceed to block 2104.

At block 2104, monitor the collection folder associated with the filerequest link for submissions and access and monitor the file requestfolder. For example, analytics module 134 monitors the collection folderfor submissions from one or more submitters and monitors the filerequest folder. In response to a submission, method 2100 can proceed toblock 2106.

At block 2106, update the status file in response to receiving asubmission. For example, analytics module 134 updates the status file inresponse to the collection folder receiving a submission. The update caninclude an indication of the submitter and a timestamp indicating whenthe submission was received. After updating the status file, method 2100can proceed to block 2108.

At block 2108, access the status file for each collection folder in thefile request folder in response to a collector accessing the collector'sfile request folder. For example, analytics module 134 accesses thestatus file for each collection folder in the file request folder inresponse to a collector accessing the collector's file request folder.After accessing the status file for each collection folder, method 2100can proceed to block 2110.

At block 2110, render a collection folder icon for each folderassociated with the file request folder along with a summary of thenumber of submitted files. For example, UI module 122 and/or analyticsmodule 134 causes the rendering of a file icon for each collectionfolder in the file request folder and render the number of submittedfiles obtained from the status folder corresponding to the collectionfolder. FIG. 19I shows one active collection folder, e.g., Final paperscollection folder, for Gordon Shield's user account. As shown, thestatus of the Final papers file request includes five submissions andtwo non-submissions. A non-submission refers to a submitter who has notprovided a submission to the collection folder. In response to thecollector selecting a rendered file icon, method 2100 can proceed toblock 2112.

At block 2112, render a list of the submitted files and the status file.For example, UI module 122 and/or analytics module 134 causes therendering of a list of files in the selected folder in a file listingUI. FIG. 21B shows file listing UI 2152 listing the files in the folderalong with status file 2154. After rendering the list of submitted filesand the status file, method 2100 can proceed to block 2114 in responseto the collector selecting the status file.

At block 2114, render the status file. For example, UI module 122 and/oranalytics module 134 causes the rendering of status file UI 2162 asshown in FIG. 21C. As shown, the status file indicates that twosubmitters, e.g., Frank Fava 2158 and George Geiger 2160, have notsubmitted files. The status file can list the submitters on top and thenon-submitters below. In one or more embodiments, the submitters can berendered in a first color and the non-submitters can be rendered in asecond color. In one or more embodiments, the analytics module 134 canaccess an activity log and can indicate if a submitter overrode aprevious submission. For example, the submitter who overrode a previoussubmission can be in a third color.

Exemplary System

FIGS. 22A and 22B show exemplary possible system embodiments. The moreappropriate embodiment will be apparent to those of ordinary skill inthe art when practicing the present technology. Persons of ordinaryskill in the art will also readily appreciate that other systemembodiments are possible.

FIG. 22A illustrates a conventional system bus computing systemarchitecture 2200 wherein the components of the system are in electricalcommunication with each other using a bus 2205. Exemplary system 2200includes a processing unit (CPU or processor) 2210 and a system bus 2205that couples various system components including the system memory 2215,such as read only memory (ROM) 2220 and random access memory (RAM) 2225,to the processor 2210. The system 2200 can include a cache of high-speedmemory connected directly with, in close proximity to, or integrated aspart of the processor 2210. The system 2200 can copy data from thememory 2215 and/or the storage device 2230 to the cache 2212 for quickaccess by the processor 2210. In this way, the cache can provide aperformance boost that avoids processor 2210 delays while waiting fordata. These and other modules can control or be configured to controlthe processor 2210 to perform various actions. Other system memory 2215may be available for use as well. The memory 2215 can include multipledifferent types of memory with different performance characteristics.The processor 2210 can include any general purpose processor and ahardware module or software module, such as module 1 2232, module 22234, and module 3 2236 stored in storage device 2230, configured tocontrol the processor 2210 as well as a special-purpose processor wheresoftware instructions are incorporated into the actual processor design.The processor 2210 may essentially be a completely self-containedcomputing system, containing multiple cores or processors, a bus, memorycontroller, cache, etc. A multi-core processor may be symmetric orasymmetric.

To enable user interaction with the computing device 2200, an inputdevice 2245 can represent any number of input mechanisms, such as amicrophone for speech, a touch-sensitive screen for gesture or graphicalinput, keyboard, mouse, motion input, speech and so forth. An outputdevice 2235 can also be one or more of a number of output mechanismsknown to those of skill in the art. In some instances, multimodalsystems can enable a user to provide multiple types of input tocommunicate with the computing device 2200. The communications interface2240 can generally govern and manage the user input and system output.There is no restriction on operating on any particular hardwarearrangement and therefore the basic features here may easily besubstituted for improved hardware or firmware arrangements as they aredeveloped.

Storage device 2230 is a non-volatile memory and can be a hard disk orother types of computer readable media which can store data that areaccessible by a computer, such as magnetic cassettes, flash memorycards, solid state memory devices, digital versatile disks, cartridges,random access memories (RAMs) 2225, read only memory (ROM) 2220, andhybrids thereof.

The storage device 2230 can include software modules 2232, 2234, 2236for controlling the processor 2210. Other hardware or software modulesare contemplated. The storage device 2230 can be connected to the systembus 2205. In one aspect, a hardware module that performs a particularfunction can include the software component stored in acomputer-readable medium in connection with the necessary hardwarecomponents, such as the processor 2210, bus 2205, display 2235, and soforth, to carry out the function.

FIG. 22B illustrates a computer system 2250 having a chipsetarchitecture that can be used in executing the described method andgenerating and displaying a graphical user interface (GUI). Computersystem 2250 is an example of computer hardware, software, and firmwarethat can be used to implement the disclosed technology. System 2250 caninclude a processor 2255, representative of any number of physicallyand/or logically distinct resources capable of executing software,firmware, and hardware configured to perform identified computations.Processor 2255 can communicate with a chipset 2260 that can controlinput to and output from processor 2255. In this example, chipset 2260outputs information to output 2265, such as a display, and can read andwrite information to storage device 2270, which can include magneticmedia, and solid state media, for example. Chipset 2260 can also readdata from and write data to RAM 2275. A bridge 2280 for interfacing witha variety of user interface components 2285 can be provided forinterfacing with chipset 2260. Such user interface components 2285 caninclude a keyboard, a microphone, touch detection and processingcircuitry, a pointing device, such as a mouse, and so on. In general,inputs to system 2250 can come from any of a variety of sources, machinegenerated and/or human generated.

Chipset 2260 can also interface with one or more communicationinterfaces 2290 that can have different physical interfaces. Suchcommunication interfaces can include interfaces for wired and wirelesslocal area networks, for broadband wireless networks, as well aspersonal area networks. Some applications of the methods for generating,displaying, and using the GUI disclosed herein can include receivingordered datasets over the physical interface or be generated by themachine itself by processor 2255 analyzing data stored in storage 2270or 2275. Further, the machine can receive inputs from a user via userinterface components 2285 and execute appropriate functions, such asbrowsing functions by interpreting these inputs using processor 2255.

It can be appreciated that exemplary systems 2200 and 2250 can have morethan one processor 2210 or be part of a group or cluster of computingdevices networked together to provide greater processing capability.

Any of the steps, operations, functions, or processes described hereinmay be performed or implemented by a combination of hardware andsoftware modules, alone or in combination with other devices. In anembodiment, a software module can be software that resides in memory ofa client device and/or one or more servers of a content managementsystem and perform one or more functions when a processor executes thesoftware associated with the module. The memory can be a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium.

CONCLUSION

For clarity of explanation, in some instances the present technology maybe presented as including individual functional blocks includingfunctional blocks comprising devices, device components, steps orroutines in a method embodied in software, or combinations of hardwareand software.

In light of the above, it is to be understood that the invention is notto be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and thatmodifications and other embodiments are intended to be included withinthe scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employedherein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and notfor the purposes of limitation.

For clarity of explanation, in some instances the present technology maybe presented as including individual functional blocks includingfunctional blocks comprising devices, device components, steps orroutines in a method embodied in software, or combinations of hardwareand software.

In some embodiments the computer-readable storage devices, mediums, andmemories can include a cable or wireless signal containing a bit streamand the like. However, when mentioned, non-transitory computer-readablestorage media expressly exclude media such as energy, carrier signals,electromagnetic waves, and signals per se.

Methods according to the above-described examples can be implementedusing computer-executable instructions that are stored or otherwiseavailable from computer readable media. Such instructions can comprise,for example, instructions and data which cause or otherwise configure ageneral purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purposeprocessing device to perform a certain function or group of functions.Portions of computer resources used can be accessible over a network.The computer executable instructions may be, for example, binaries,intermediate format instructions such as assembly language, firmware, orsource code. Examples of computer-readable media that may be used tostore instructions, information used, and/or information created duringmethods according to described examples include magnetic or opticaldisks, flash memory, USB devices provided with non-volatile memory,networked storage devices, and so on.

Devices implementing methods according to these disclosures can comprisehardware, firmware and/or software, and can take any of a variety ofform factors. Typical examples of such form factors include laptops,smart phones, small form factor personal computers, personal digitalassistants, and so on. Functionality described herein also can beembodied in peripherals or add-in cards. Such functionality can also beimplemented on a circuit board among different chips or differentprocesses executing in a single device, by way of further example.

The instructions, media for conveying such instructions, computingresources for executing them, and other structures for supporting suchcomputing resources are means for providing the functions described inthese disclosures.

Although a variety of examples and other information was used to explainaspects within the scope of the appended claims, no limitation of theclaims should be implied based on particular features or arrangements insuch examples, as one of ordinary skill would be able to use theseexamples to derive a wide variety of implementations. Further andalthough some subject matter may have been described in languagespecific to examples of structural features and/or method steps, it isto be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claimsis not necessarily limited to these described features or acts. Forexample, such functionality can be distributed differently or performedin components other than those identified herein. Rather, the describedfeatures and steps are disclosed as examples of components of systemsand methods within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: creating, by a contentmanagement system, a collection folder in response to receiving acollection request associated with a collector account; generating alink to the collection folder; distributing, by the content managementsystem, to a first client device associated with a first submitter and asecond client device associated with a second submitter, the link to thecollection folder for collecting files from the first submitter and thesecond submitter; and providing the first submitter and the secondsubmitter limited rights to the collection folder, the limited rightspermitting the first submitter to upload a first file to the collectionfolder, permitting the first submitter to view the first file in thecollection folder, and prohibiting the first submitter from viewing asecond file uploaded by the second submitter within the collectionfolder.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the collection requestcomprises request information defined by a collector associated with thecollector account.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprisingproviding, by the content management system, one or more prompts to thecollector to obtain the request information.
 4. The method of claim 2,wherein the request information comprises a name of the collectionrequest, the method further comprising defining the name of thecollection folder based on the name of the collection request.
 5. Themethod of claim 2, wherein the request information comprises submitterinformation that the content management system uses to distribute thelink to the collection folder to the first client device associated withthe first submitter and the second client device associated with thesecond submitter.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the limited rightsto the collection folder further comprise viewing rights that permit thesecond submitter to view the second file in the collection folder. 7.The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving, by the contentmanagement system, the first file from the first client deviceassociated with the first submitter; receiving, by the contentmanagement system, the second file from the second client deviceassociated with the second submitter; and storing, by the contentmanagement system, the first file and the second file in the collectionfolder.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the limited rights to thecollection folder further comprise viewing rights that prohibit thesecond submitter from viewing the first file within the collectionfolder.
 9. The method of claim 7, further comprising: receiving, from aclient device associated with the collector account, a request to viewcontent of the collection folder; and providing the collector accountaccess to view the first file and the second file in response to therequest from the collector account to view content of the collectionfolder.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the first submitter does nothave and account with the content management system.
 11. A system,comprising: at least one processor; and a non-transitory computerreadable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by the atleast one processor, cause the system to: create, by a contentmanagement system, a collection folder in response to receiving acollection request associated with a collector account; generate a linkto the collection folder; distribute, by the content management system,to a first client device associated with a first submitter and a secondclient device associated with a second submitter, the link to thecollection folder for collecting files from the first submitter and thesecond submitter; and provide the first submitter and the secondsubmitter limited rights to the collection folder, the limited rightspermitting the first submitter to upload a first file to the collectionfolder, permitting the first submitter to view the first file in thecollection folder, and prohibiting the first submitter from viewing asecond file uploaded by the second submitter within the collectionfolder.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the limited rights to thecollection folder further comprise viewing rights that permit the secondsubmitter to view the second file in the collection folder.
 13. Thesystem of claim 11, further comprising instructions that, when executedby the at least one processor, cause the system to: receive, by thecontent management system, the first file from the first client deviceassociated with the first submitter; receive, by the content managementsystem, the second file from the second client device associated withthe second submitter; and store, by the content management system, thefirst file and the second file in the collection folder.
 14. The systemof claim 11, wherein the limited rights to the collection folder furthercomprise viewing rights that prohibit the second submitter from viewingthe first file within the collection folder.
 15. The system of claim 13,further comprising instructions that, when executed by the at least oneprocessor, cause the system to: receive, from a client device associatedwith the collector account, a request to view content of the collectionfolder; and provide the collector account access to view the first fileand the second file in response to the request from the collectoraccount to view content of the collection folder.
 16. A non-transitorycomputer-readable medium storing instruction that, when executed by atleast one processor, cause a computer device to: create, by a contentmanagement system, a collection folder in response to receiving acollection request associated with a collector account; generate a linkto the collection folder; distribute, by the content management system,to a first client device associated with a first submitter and a secondclient device associated with a second submitter, the link to thecollection folder for collecting files from the first submitter and thesecond submitter; and provide the first submitter and the secondsubmitter limited rights to the collection folder, the limited rightspermitting the first submitter to upload a first file to the collectionfolder, permitting the first submitter to view the first file in thecollection folder, and prohibiting the first submitter from viewing asecond file uploaded by the second submitter within the collectionfolder.
 17. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 16,wherein the limited rights to the collection folder further compriseviewing rights that permit the second submitter to view the second filein the collection folder.
 18. The non-transitory computer-readablemedium of claim 16, further comprising instructions that, when executedby the at least one processor, cause the computer device to: receive, bythe content management system, the first file from the first clientdevice associated with the first submitter; receive, by the contentmanagement system, the second file from the second client deviceassociated with the second submitter; and store, by the contentmanagement system, the first file and the second file in the collectionfolder.
 19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16,wherein the limited rights to the collection folder further compriseviewing rights that prohibit the second submitter from viewing the firstfile within the collection folder.
 20. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium of claim 18, further comprising instructionsthat, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the computerdevice to: receive, from a client device associated with the collectoraccount, a request to view content of the collection folder; and providethe collector account access to view the first file and the second filein response to the request from the collector account to view content ofthe collection folder.